Top Management Team Conflict: Understanding the Complexities and Adopting a New Approach
25 Pages Posted: 12 Jul 2006
Abstract
This paper takes a critical look at conflict in top management teams. The multiple approaches that have been taken in the investigation of conflict within this context are reviewed. However, past literature has isolated top management teams, ignored the implications of hidden conflict, and lacked a communication focus. Due to these criticisms, a political perspective towards understanding top management team conflict is advocated. This perspective highlights the validity, necessity, and importance of conflict in organizational life. More specifically, a political approach promotes the reframing of conflict through conflict orchestration and developing an awareness of the impact of personal, social, and cultural identities on conflict management. Finally, communication must take on a less superficial role if a complex understanding of top management team conflict is to be developed.
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