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Task conflict, information processing, and decision-making: The damaging effect of relationship conflict

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  • de Wit, Frank R.C.
  • Jehn, Karen A.
  • Scheepers, Daan

Abstract

A popular theoretical assumption holds that task-related disagreements stimulate critical thinking, and thus may improve group decision making. Two recent meta-analyses showed, however, that task conflict can have a positive effect, a negative effect, or no effect at all on decision-making quality (De Dreu & Weingart, 2003; De Wit, Greer, & Jehn, 2012). In two studies, we built upon the suggestion of both meta-analyses that the presence of relationship conflict determines whether a task conflict is positively or negatively related to decision making. We hypothesized and found that the level of perceived relationship conflict during task conflict (Study 1), and the actual presence (vs. absence) of relationship conflict during task conflict (Study 2), increased group members’ rigidity in holding onto suboptimal initial preferences during decision making and thus led to poor decisions. In both studies the effect of relationship conflict on decision making was mediated by biased use of information.

Suggested Citation

  • de Wit, Frank R.C. & Jehn, Karen A. & Scheepers, Daan, 2013. "Task conflict, information processing, and decision-making: The damaging effect of relationship conflict," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 122(2), pages 177-189.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:122:y:2013:i:2:p:177-189
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2013.07.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen A. Jehn & Lindred Greer & Sheen Levine & Gabriel Szulanski, 2008. "The Effects of Conflict Types, Dimensions, and Emergent States on Group Outcomes," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 17(6), pages 465-495, November.
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