This research extends and enriches the understanding of conflict management
styles and negotiation process, especially the cross-cultural differences between
Canada and China. Although there is no lack of studies investigating the cultural
differences of conflict management styles (Kirkbride et al., 1991; Tinsley, 1998), there
are no studies that have attempted to relate conflict management styles to actual
conflict-resolving behaviors and further to different outcomes (Volkema and
Bergmann, 1995). Focusing directly on whether conflict management styles predict 275 actual behaviors and further comparing such links in two different cultures
distinguishes this study from the others. Furthermore, this study investigates conflict management style across multiple situations, which provides a more valid support for different conflict management styles in different cultures than do single case studies. Using multiple instances of situation should be a rule rather than an exception for future studies of exploring the impact of stable and generalized individual characteristics.