Conflict
Document Type
Encyclopedia entry
Source Publication
International encyclopedia of organization studies
Publication Date
2008
First Page
253
Last Page
257
Publisher
Sage
Abstract
Managing conflict is an intellectual challenge to understand and an important practical management issue of which to be aware. Researchers have exposed the traditional idea that conflict is inevitably destructive and demonstrated the value of conflict for solving problems. Indeed, conflict, when well managed, contributes very critically to team and leader effectiveness. Recognizing both the positive and negative consequences of conflicts, researchers have proposed various ways to identify and distinguish the nature of productive conflict. They have identified dynamics and conditions under which conflicts can be constructive for people and their organizations. However, making conflict positive for organizations has proved difficult. This entry first defines conflict and then empirically reviews developed frameworks and comments on their limitations and potential for future development. Conflict has traditionally been defined as opposing interests involving scarce resources and goal divergence and frustration.
DOI
10.4135/9781412956246.n87
Publisher Statement
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Additional Information
ISBN of the source publication: 9781412915151
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Tjosvold, D., & Chen, N. (2008). Conflict. In S. Clegg, & J. Bailey (Eds.), International encyclopedia of organization studies. (pp. 253-257). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412956246.n87