Forms of conflict and conflict resolution

Paul Latreille

Chapter 17 in Theories and Concepts in Work and Employment Relations, 2025, pp 149-156 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Workplace conflict is a common feature of organisational life that can have profound impacts on individuals, teams and organisations, yet its study has mostly occurred in disciplinary silos. Avgar's conflict integration framework offers a valuable tool for understanding and managing the complexity associated with conflict. Drawing on Kochan et al.'s strategic choice framework and insights from industrial relations, organisational behaviour and employment law, the framework highlights the importance of considering multiple factors, organisational levels, external pressures and individual and group dynamics. Crucially, the framework emphasises the potential intellectual and practical gains to be made from interdisciplinary integration; by recognising the limitations of a single disciplinary perspective, the framework encourages researchers and practitioners to adopt a more holistic approach to conflict analysis and resolution. This interdisciplinary approach can help to identify the root causes of conflict, develop more effective strategies for managing it, and ultimately improve organisational performance. However, the framework also has limitations. Critics argue that the underpinning philosophical differences between industrial relations and organisational behaviour, for example, may hinder integration efforts. Additionally, the framework could benefit from further elaboration on the role of specific actors, such as line managers and HR functions. Nonetheless, Avgar's framework provides a solid foundation for a future research agenda and for practice in the field of workplace conflict.

Keywords: Conflict; Conflict resolution; Disciplinary perspectives; Conflict integration framework (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035316199
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