This study investigated the moderating influence of the need for affiliation on emotional intelligence and the selection of integrating conflict resolution styles among Millennial and Generation Z undergraduates in Sri Lanka. This is a critical yet unexplored segment in Sri Lankan higher educational context.
Data were collected via a self-structured Likert scale questionnaire from 412 undergraduates from ten state universities who were born between 1990 and 2000 using a convenience sampling technique. Wong and Law's Emotional Intelligence Scale, Unified Motive Scale, and Rahim's Organizational Conflict Inventory-II were used as research instruments.
Emotionally intelligent millennial and Generation Z students prefer to use an integrative style to resolve conflicts. Furthermore, the need for affiliation boosts this relationship. This indicates that those who are emotionally intelligent and have a high need for affiliations will choose to integrate conflict-resolution style.
Students' emotional intelligence levels will rise given the opportunities to strengthen their relationships through programs, which will lead to the selection of more productive conflict resolution approaches, such as integrating styles to better manage Millennials and Generation Z students.
University undergraduate disputes are heading in many mainstream dialogues in the country, and many have investigated it, disregarding important components. This study contributes by providing a contextual replication with moderation of the relationship between emotional intelligence and the selection of integrating conflict resolution strategies among Sri Lankan Millennials and Generation Z students, highlighting the incremental moderating role of the need for affiliation (nAff).
