Clarifying Interpersonal and Social Values Conflict among Recreationists

Recreation conflict has been examined relative to interpersonal (i.e., goal interference) conflict and differences in social values. Although this distinction is useful, prior methodologies for operationalizing the two concepts can result in a confound where individuals in the interpersonal conflict category could be expressing goal interference, social values, or both types of conflict. This research note: (a) clarifies the conceptual distinction by incorporating an additional variable that sorts respondents into the most appropriate conflict categories, and (b) uses a multivariate approach to provide an overall evaluation of the magnitude of each type of conflict. Data were obtained from on-site surveys of cross-country skiers (n = 264) and snowmobilers (n = 203) at two Colorado locations. Consistent with previous research, an asymmetrical relationship was found between skiers and snowmobilers, with skiers experiencing more conflict. Cluster analyses of six conflict items indicated that 36% of skiers reported no conflict, 30% noted a conflict in social values, and 34% experienced interpersonal conflict. By comparison, 81% of snowmobilers indicated no conflict, 0% social values conflict, and 19% interpersonal conflict. Few respondents expressed both interpersonal and social values conflict. Whether these levels of conflict are acceptable or unacceptable depends on management objectives and desired outcomes.