In conflict with conflict

In a qualitative, retrospective case study to identify, describe, and develop a theoretical analysis of perceived group process among female nursing educators/administrators, the term "conflict," as traditionally defined in discussions of "conflict management strategies," was rejected. The term did not readily fit with the management styles of the 27 female nurse educators and administrators. Participants rejected "conflict" as a term. The word was deliberately avoided. In fact, conflict rejection was a specific administrative process identified as part of the successful working of the group over the three-year period studied. This finding indicates a break with traditional male-oriented literature and therefore may have implications for future research into conflict management strategies, especially into successful management strategies used by women and health care professionals.