Handling conflict at work. Issue 1 (9th February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bélanger, Jocelyn J; Pierro, Antonio; Barbieri, Barbara; De Carlo, Nicola A; Falco, Alessandra; Kruglanski, Arie W
• Is Part Of: International journal of conflict management. Volume 26:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2015-02-09
• Subjects: Conflict management -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- Periodicals; Negotiation -- Periodicals; Social conflict -- Periodicals; Diplomatic negotiations in international disputes -- Periodicals; 303.6905
• DOI: 10.1108/IJCMA-09-2013-0083
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-4068

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – This research aims to explore the notion of fit between subordinates' need for cognitive closure and supervisors' power tactics on organizational conflict management. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – Two-hundred and ninety employees drawn from six different Italian organizations were recruited for the purpose of this study. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – Results indicated that high-need-for-closure subordinates utilized more constructive (solution-oriented) conflict management strategies when their supervisors relied on harsh power tactics, whereas low-need-for-closure subordinates were more inclined to use solution-oriented conflict management strategies when their supervisors relied on soft power tactics. Additionally, results indicated that, overall, supervisors' use of harsh power tactics increased subordinates reliance on maladapted (control-oriented) conflict management strategies, but even more so for subordinates with low need for cognitive closure. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – This study highlights the importance of supervisor–subordinate fit to understand conflict management in organizational setting.</p> </sec> </abstract>