Conflict types, resolution, and relational satisfaction: A U.S.-China investigation

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships of conflict types with conflict resolution and relational satisfaction in the U.S. and Chinese cultures, and to explore the moderating effects of culture in the relationships of conflict types and resolution with relational satisfaction. Four main findings are reported. First, task conflict is more likely to be resolved than relationship conflict in both cultures. Second, Chinese experience less relational satisfaction than Americans during conflict. Third, task conflict is associated with a higher level of relational satisfaction than relationship conflict in both cultures; similarly, resolved conflict is associated with a higher level of relational satisfaction than unresolved conflict. Fourth, culture mediates the effects of both conflict types and conflict resolution on relational satisfaction.