Identifying Moderators of Effects of Task conflict on Relationship conflict

Abstract

In this article, two studies were conducted to identify variables that moderate the effects of task conflict on relationship conflict. In the first study, Relationship quality dimension variables (trust, promotive interdependence) were used to identify moderating effects. For study 1, data were collected from 400 employees using survey questionnaires. The results showed that high level of trust and promotive interdependence buffer the effects of task conflict on relationship conflict. In study 2, Individual difference dimension (self-esteem, interpersonal sensitivity) variables were used. The data were collected from 269 employees using survey questionnaires. The results revealed that high level interpersonal sensitivity reduced the effects of task conflict on relationship conflict. Finally, implications and limitations of these results were discussed.