Open-minded Discussion between Departments: Goal Interdependence and Social Motives

Abstract

To aid effective collaboration between departments, organizations need ways to help employees from diverse departments manage their conflicts constructively. Integrating theories of goal interdependence and social motives, this study examined a model in which open-minded discussion mediates and social motives moderate between interdepartmental goal interdependence and conflict outcomes. A sample of 133 employees from different business organizations in China were interviewed to recall a critical incident when they had a conflict with their coworker from another department. Results support the hypotheses that goal interdependence is an important foundation for open-minded discussion between departments that in turn impact the outcomes of conflict. Results suggest that pro-self motive employees very much discussed open-mindedly when goals were cooperative. Pro-social motive employees discussed issues open-mindedly even when their goals are competitive. Findings suggest that developing cooperative goals and open-minded discussion skills can help managers and employees manage their conflicts between departments and collaborate effectively. Key words: Open-minded discussion, interdepartmental goal interdependence, social motives, conflict management