Effect of assertiveness skill training on interpersonal conflict management style of nurses at workplace

The correct way of dealing with interpersonal conflict at work is closely related to level of communication skills. Assertiveness skill as one of the communication skills components has been studied on conflict management style. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of assertiveness skill training on interpersonal conflict management style of nurses at workplace. In this quasi-experimental study, 60 nurses in Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad were randomly assigned into either intervention or control groups. During the two-day workshop; intervention group were thought assertiveness skills. While the control group did not receive any training. Interpersonal conflict management style in both groups before and 40 days after the intervention were measured by “Bar-on Assertiveness Questionnaire” and “Organization Communication Conflict Instrument Putnam-Wilson”. Validity was evaluated with content validity and reliability was measured through Cronbach's alpha. Data was analyzed by SPSS/11/5. There was no significant difference in nurse's mean score of conflict management style in avoidance (P=0.259), cooperation (P=0.292), control (P=0.357) and compromise (P=0.431) between the two groups before the intervention. However, after the intervention in assertiveness group the mean score of interpersonal conflict management style in cooperation (P<0.0001) are more significant and compromise style (P<0.0001) is significantly lower than the control group. The assertiveness skills program increased nurse’s use of collaborative style and reduced use of compromise style in workplace. Therefore, it is suggested to conduct assertiveness skills training programs for nurses.