Exploring emotional intelligence and conflict management styles in Dominican Republic construction industry

Purpose
Emotional intelligence (EI) and conflict management (CM) are essential skills for construction managers towards achieving organisational effectiveness. It is believed that an individual’s EI level (EIL) is a predictor of the preferred CM styles (CMS). This study aims to explore the relationships between EIL, preferred CMS and demographic factors in the construction sector of the Dominican Republic (DR).

Design/methodology/approach
The EIL and CMS of a sample of civil engineers in managerial positions were evaluated using the emotional intelligence appraisal and Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II self-assessment tools.

Findings
There was a strong positive correlation between the rated EIL and the scores of collaboration and compromise styles, i.e. participants with higher EIL have stronger fit within the collaboration and compromise styles of managing conflicts. For participants with lower EIL, collaboration and compromise styles were also top preferences, but with no statistical significance. Significant relationships existed between gender, collaboration and compromise styles and between work experience and collaboration style. No significant relationship between demographics and EIL.

Practical implications
The construction industry needs innovative construction managers whose CMS and EIL are compatible with the culture and overall organisational objectives.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study appraising the EI and CMS of civil engineers working in DR construction industry.