The multilevel nomological net of team conflict profiles

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to offer an integrative conceptual theory of conflict and reports on the nomological net of team conflict profiles. Specifically, it integrates social self-preservation theory with information-processing theory to better understand the occurrence of team profiles involving task conflict, relationship conflict and process conflict.Design/methodology/approachThe study collected data from 178 teams performing and engineering design tasks. The multilevel nomological net that was examined consisted of constructive controversy, psychological safety and team-task performance (team level), as well as perceptions of learning, burnout and peer ratings of performance (individual level).FindingsFindings indicated mixed support for the associations between conflict profiles and the hypothesized nomological net.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should consider teams’ profiles of team conflict types rather than examining task, relationship and process conflict in isolation.Practical implicationsTeams can be classified into profiles of team conflict types with implications for team functioning and effectiveness. As a result, assessment and team launch should consider team conflict profiles.Originality/valueThe complexity perspective advanced here will allow research on conflict types to move forward beyond the extensive research examining conflict types in isolation rather than their interplay.