Explaining the Counterintuitive Justice-Conflict Relationship: A Multilevel Approach

Abstract

Injustice and conflict occur routinely when people work together, yet they can have detrimental consequences for the functioning of teams. Despite the obvious connection between injustice and conflict, few studies have investigated this interrelationship, which remains poorly understood. According to recent theorizing, a straightforward relationship of justice and conflict exists, in which justice decreases conflict. However, empirical studies have had difficulties to confirm this association. Rather, numerous non-significant relationships have been reported. This paper seeks to develop a multilevel-multirelationship approach to clarify and predict justice-conflict dynamics in teams. By considering the connection of justice and conflict through a multilevel-multirelationship lens, what may appear quite straightforward becomes more complex and includes counterintuitive effects. Three counterintuitive effects are presented: injustice decreases conflict, justice increases conflict, and conflict increases justice in teams. The non-significant results of past research can be explained and understood in light of our approach. We conclude with implications for future research and practice.