The Dynamic Nature of Conflict: A Longitudinal Study of Intragroup Conflict and Group Performance

Abstract

In a longitudinal study, we found that higher group performance was associated with a particular pattern of conflict. Teams performing well were characterized by low but increasing levels of process conflict, low levels of relationship conflict, with a rise near project deadlines, and moderate levels of task conflict at the midpoint of group interaction. The members of teams with this ideal conflict profile had similar pre- established value systems, high levels of trust and respect, and open discussion norms around conflict during the middle stages of their interaction.