Small Group Conflict

A descriptive study of 71 task-oriented groups was undertaken to assess the relationships among the amount of perceived inequity, group satisfaction, amount of perceived conflict, quality of group outcome, types of conflict and styles of conflict management. Results indicated that inequity was negatively related to the amount of expressed satisfaction with the group and positively related to the amount ofperceived conflict within the group. Inequity was associated more strongly with conflict centered around people than conflict centered around the task. Inequity was least associated with groups not experiencing conflict. In terms of styles of conflict management, groups characterized by integrative management reported less perception of inequity than did groups using an avoidance style. Group satisfaction was found to be negatively related to the amount of conflict experienced. However, the results provided interpretive support for the proposition that group satisfaction is more strongly associated with integrative conflict-management styles than avoidance styles. Finally, it was found that people conflicts were predominantly associated with avoidance management styles and task conflicts with integrative styles.

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