Constructive controversy for innovation in business : theory, research, and application
Document Type
Book chapter
Source Publication
Konstruktive Kontroverse in Organisationen : Konflikte bearbeiten, Entscheidungen treffen, Innovationen fördern
Publication Date
8-21-2015
First Page
89
Last Page
107
Publisher
Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden
Abstract
Construcive Controversy is the open-minded discussion of opposing views for mutual benefit. It has been demonstrated to be a practical, powerful approach to understand the conditions and dynamics of how opposing ideas can strengthen decision-making and contribute to organizations and people. Research shows that Constructive Controversy promotes innovation in such key areas as marketing, finance, and leadership; evidence also documents that it helps manage emotional and interests conflicts and that it applies in collectivist as well as individualistic cultures. Cooperative goals, where team members believe that their goal attainment is positively related to other members’ goal attainment, are an important foundation for Constructive Controversy. Studies have documented that although it is challenging to discuss controversies openly and constructively, together team members can understand and practice its major steps to develop and express positions, question and understand opposing positions, integrate and create solutions, and reach agreement as well as strengthen their cooperative goals. Results have important practical implications for how managers and employees can develop Constructive Controversy to stimulate innovation and organizational effectiveness.
DOI
10.1007/978-3-658-00263-3_5
Publisher Statement
Copyright © Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden 2015. Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Additional Information
ISBN of the source publication: 9783658002626
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Tjosvold, D., Tang, M. M. L. & Wan, P. W. K. (2015). Constructive controversy for innovation in business: Theory, research, and application. In A. Vollmer, M. Dick, & T. Wehner (Eds.), Konstruktive Kontroverse in Organisationen: Konflikte bearbeiten, Entscheidungen treffen, Innovationen fördern (pp. 89-107). Wiesbaden: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden. doi: 10.1007/978-3-658-00263-3_5