Spotlight interview with Michael Roberto

Abstract

Purpose

This article's purpose is to record an interview with Professor Michael Roberto.

Design/methodology/approach

The article focuses on the importance of stimulating debate and the need to work towards cultivating constructive conflict. Describes the idea behind this approach and explores the challenges involved. Lists the steps to be taken in introducing the process, ensuring maximum participation and avoiding an impasse or the build‐up of potentially damaging bad feeling between participants with opposing viewpoints. Discusses problems of hierarchy and status. Urges leaders to interact closely with front‐line staff to ensure leaders are not fed biased or distorted information or shielded from bad news. Reports that while many companies still avoid conflict, others are recognising its potential benefits when constructively channelled.

Findings

Professor Michael Roberto provides his view of the importance of stimulating debate and the need to work towards cultivating constructive conflict.

Originality/value

This article provides an interview with Professor Michael Roberto focusing on the importance of stimulating debate and the need to work towards cultivating constructive conflict while simultaneously building consensus to optimise the decision‐making process.

Citation

Powell, S. (2006), "Spotlight interview with Michael Roberto", Management Decision, Vol. 44 No. 6, pp. 824-829. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740610673369