Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the conflict resolution styles of Korean-American college students. Which style was used by Korean-American college students in terms of each criterion variable: Intra-personal, inter-personal, intra-group, and inter-group? In addition, consideration was given to the differences in the conflict resolution styles by sub-groups of years in the United States. The study was conducted with a survey instrument. Eighty-three Los Angeles Community College students were randomly selected to participate in this study. Statistical analysis was reported by utilizing simple and straight-forward percentages and frequency of responses for describing the conflict resolution styles of Korean-American college students and by using chi-square for tests of differences in conflict resolution styles by sub-groups. The research findings were: (1) Korean-American college students exhibited two conflict resolution styles, avoidance/accommodation rather than competition/collaboration; (2) Korean-American college students' intra-personal conflict resolution styles were avoidance/competition; (3) Inter-personal conflict resolution styles of Korean-American college students showed accommodation/avoidance; (4) Korean-American college students' intra-group conflict resolution styles were avoidance/accommodation; (5) Inter-group conflict resolution styles of Korean-American college students showed accommodation/avoidance; (6) There were no statistical differences between sub-groups of students' responses for conflict resolution styles. However, Group 1 (0-3 years in the U.S.) showed more avoidance than accommodation and Group 2 (longer than 3 years in the U.S.) showed more collaboration than competition. In view of the findings, several recommendations were made for further research. It was suggested that there is a need for developing the competitive/collaborative conflict resolution styles of Korean-American college students. Additional research is recommended in comparison of conflict resolution styles of first generations of Korean-Americans and second generation Korean-Americans.