Managerial strategies for dealing with difficult subordinates

Abstract

This study focused upon managers’ choice of, and satisfaction with, conflict management strategies in disputes with difficult subordinates. The four strategies discovered, in descending order of frequency, were: forcing, collaboration, minimal coping, and structural strategies. Managers’ satisfaction with the outcomes associated with these strategies reflected an absolute inverse ratio to the frequency of their reported use. The authors call for research leading to the development of alternative strategies for managing conflict with difficult subordinates.