Resumen de Self-construals, conflict styles, and religious identification in India

Stephen Michael Croucher

• Purpose � This paper aims to explore the relationships between self-construals, religious identification, and conflict styles in India.

  Design/methodology/approach � Data were gathered in India (n=1,108) among Hindus (n=744) and Muslims (n=364) in various organizations throughout India. Conflict styles were measured using Oetzel's conflict style measure. Self-construal was measured using Singelis' self-construal measure. Pearson correlations and multiple regressions were conducted.

  Findings � Correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation between the independent and interdependent self-construal. Multiple hierarchical regression modeling demonstrated significant interactions between religious identification, self-construal, and conflict style. Hindus are more likely to dominate in conflict situations, while Muslims are more likely to avoid conflict and prefer more group-oriented conflict styles.

  Research limitations/implications � Self-report measure is a possible limitation and the sample is religiously homogeneous.

  Practical implications � The results of this study could assist community organizers and others who work in conflict mediation resolve conflict among religious groups.

  Originality/value � Few studies have examined conflict styles in India and this study employs a macro and micro-level approach to the study of conflict.