SUPERVISORS’ CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES: THE MISSING LINK BETWEEN CONFLICT TYPES AND EMPLOYEES’ BEHAVIORS

Conflict is inevitable in the workplace. Studies found conflicts in the workplace tend to contribute negative effects on employees’ positive behaviors. However, conflict is not always bad, it depends on the conflict types and the conflict resolution strategies. In this conceptual paper, the missing picture of the relationship between conflicts, conflict resolution strategies, and employees’ positive behaviors will be discussed. Understanding the relationship between these variables enables us to have a better knowledge of how the conflict affects employee behaviors. And, the knowledge will benefit industrial and organizational psychologist, workplace counselors and human resource manager.