In the current study, we posit that the effective CMS of managers may facilitate the
social exchange processes with their subordinates, and thus induce more positive work
attitudes among those subordinates. Social exchange is based on the norm of reciprocity,
which specifies that one would help and not hurt those who have helped oneself
(Gouldner, 1960). Research has suggested that when managers adopt a conflict
management style that focuses on satisfying the needs of both parties in conflict
situations, supervisors and subordinates tend to build relationships based on trust and
respect (Fisher & Ury, 1981; Pruitt & Rubin, 1986). It seems that when employees
perceive they are being valued and cared by the supervisor in the conflict situations,
trusting relationships will be developed. Employees will reciprocate by displaying
positive work attitudes including higher job satisfaction and lower turnover intention.
On the other hand, trust in leaders is found to be related to various leadership
behaviors or managerial styles including transformational leadership, interactional
justice and participative decision-making (Dirks & Ferrin, 2002) which share common
characteristics such as open communication, expression of care and respect towards
subordinates. These characteristics match well with cooperative CMS (integrating,
obliging and compromising) which focuses on high concern and respect for others. It
is likely that managers using cooperative conflict management styles enhance social
exchange process and earn trust from subordinates which lead to positive outcomes.
Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of trust
in the relationship between the conflict management styles of superiors and the work
attitudes (job satisfaction and turnover intention) of subordinates.