Constructively managing conflicts in organizations
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior
Publication Date
3-1-2014
Volume
1
First Page
545
Last Page
568
Publisher
Annual Reviews
Keywords
Negotiations, Teamwork, Constructive Conflict, Open-Minded, Mutual Benefit, Cooperation
Abstract
Researchers have used various concepts to understand the conditions and dynamics by which conflict can be managed constructively. This review proposes that the variety of terms obscures consistent findings that open-minded discussions in which protagonists freely express their own views, listen and understand opposing ones, and then integrate them promote constructive conflict. Studies from several traditions also suggest that mutual benefit relationships are critical antecedents for open-minded discussion. This integration of research findings identifies the skills and relationships that can help managers and employees deal with their increasingly complex conflicts. Research is needed to deepen our understanding of the dynamics of open-minded discussion and the conditions that promote it as well as when open-mindedness is inappropriate. Training studies can test and show how the model of open-minded discussion supported by mutual benefit relationships can be applied in cross-cultural and other challenging settings.
DOI
10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031413-091306
Print ISSN
23270608
E-ISSN
23270616
Publisher Statement
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Tjosvold, D., Wong, A. S. H., & Chen, N. Y. F. (2014). Constructively managing conflicts in organizations. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 1, 545-568. doi: 10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031413-091306