Do stereotypes influence preferences for conflict resolution procedures?

Harnack K., Dussel B.

Abstract

Mediation as an alternative conflict resolution technique is becoming more and more popular, but only little is known about the determinants that direct parties in conflict to their preferred conflict resolution procedure. The present research addresses this question. More specifically, it is investigate whether and how stereotypes contribute to this selection process. Based on the Stereotype Content Model (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick, & Xu, 2002), which proposes warmth and competence as two universal dimension of stereotypes, the present research inquires under which constellation of the warmth / competence dimensions parties in conflict seek alternative conflict resolution procedures. Participants were either primed with warmth or competence and subsequently read conflict situations vignettes describing the opposing party as being either warm or competent. Afterward, they were asked to indicate their preferred conflict resolution procedures. These ratings captured the preference in decision control, process control and rule control (Shestowsky, 2004). Supplemental, personality and cognitive variables were measured as control variables. The results and its theoretical and practical implications for frameworks of conflict resolution technique like mediation will be discussed.