The Relationship Between Conflict Management Styles and Kirton's Adaption-Innovation Theory

The objective of this paper is to analyze connections between individuals' preferred problem-solving style and common conflict management techniques. Five common themes/styles were reoccurring in academic literature concerning conflict management techniques. The techniques of avoidance, collaboration, competing, compromising, and accommodation were the most prevalent in literature. Kirton’s Adaption Innovation (A-I) theory creates a foundation for this paper outlining preferred problem-solving styles. Kirton’s theory outlines the way individuals prefer to solve complex problems, and the behaviors used in order to work in collaboration. Using literature, conclusions were drawn that there are possible connections between both phenomena. Connection between both phenomena include similar processes, and use of collaboration as a key component to successfully create robust solutions. These two processes worked seamlessly with Kirton’s concepts of Problem A and B. These two processes outline and detail the cause and effect of conflicts created by working with others in the realm of collaboration. This review suggests future research propositions, creating a springboard for further research.