Co-operative conflict management : an approach to strengthen relationships between foreign managers and Chinese employees
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources
Publication Date
12-1-2007
Volume
45
Issue
3
First Page
271
Last Page
294
Keywords
China, Co-operative conflict management, Commitment, Relationships, Trust
Abstract
Cross-cultural researchers have recently argued the need to develop frameworks that can help a diversity of individuals overcome obstacles to work together productively. This study proposes that a co-operative, compared to a competitive and an avoidance, approach to managing conflict can strengthen relationships between foreign managers and Chinese employees. These relationships in turn facilitate trust and job commitment. Using the critical incident technique, Chinese employees in mainland China were interviewed on their interactions with their American and Japanese managers. Results support the hypotheses that co-operative, but not competitive or avoidance, conflict management helps employees and their managers develop quality relationships and strengthen trust and commitment. Co-operative conflict management may be an important way to overcome obstacles and develop effective relationships within and across cultural boundaries.
DOI
10.1177/1038411107082274
Print ISSN
10384111
E-ISSN
17447941
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2007 Australian Human Resources Institute
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Chen, Y.-F., & Tjosvold, D. (2007). Co-operative conflict management: An approach to strengthen relationships between foreign managers and Chinese employees. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 45(3), 271-294. doi: 10.1177/1038411107082274