Preferred attributes of effective conflict resolvers in seven societies: Culture, development level, and gender differences

This research examined variations in preferred personality attributes of co nflict resolvers. Using a semantic differential scale, youth from Malaysia, Japan, China, Philippines, Australia, Germany, and the United States descr ibed an effective conflict resolver. ANOVA procedures tested whether cultur e, country's level of economic development, or gender produced significant variations on conflict resolver preferences. Results show that conflict res olvers can be described along a continuum that has a compassionate peacemak er on one side and a dominating peacemaker on the other. Cultural differenc es produced marginal significance. The stronger effects were results of var iations in power positions. A compassionate peacemaker was preferred by res pondents from developing societies, rather than by those from the wealthier countries, and by women more than men.