Paper Title
HAS LEADERSHIP STYLES A DIRECT RELATION WITH CONFLICT MANAGEMENT? AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SMES’ MANAGERS IN ECUADOR

Abstract
Abstract - This study analyzes empirically the relationship between conflict management and leadership styles. To test the hypotheses, 341 managers from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were surveyed in a field study. Path analysis was conducted to establish a model to demonstrate the relation. Results showed a significant and positive correlation between conflict management styles and leadership styles. The study provides managers with the knowledge of their potential characteristics regarding their leadership style and its effect on conflict management in organizations. This study adds to management research by demonstrating the relationships among two significant variables present in organizational behavior and contributes for the first time with these topics in countries such Ecuador. Keywords - Transactional Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Problem Solving, Organizational Behavior.