On the dimensionality of intragroup conflict: An exploratory study of conflict and its relationship with group innovation performance

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dimensionality of intragroup conflict and to develop an instrument with acceptable psychometric properties for the comprehensive measurement of conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper strictly follows the standard scale-developing method: first, establish theoretical dimensions of intragroup conflict; then, develop the initial scale through in-depth interviews and coding schemes; third, revise and verify the scale through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis; and, finally, examine the predictive validity of the new intragroup conflict scale.

Findings

This study identifies four dimensions of intragroup conflict – cognitive conflict, affective conflict, behavioral conflict, and interest-based conflict – and provides evidence of construct validity for a new measure. The results show that cognitive and interest-based conflict affect group innovation performance positively, whereas affective and behavioral conflict affects it negatively.

Originality/value

This study first detects interest-based conflict as a new dimension and explores a more comprehensive scale (ABCI) that reflects all the connotations of conflict, which deepens the understanding of intragroup conflict, laying a solid foundation for empirical studies of conflict.

Citation

Ma, L., Yang, B., Wang, X. and Li, Y. (2017), "On the dimensionality of intragroup conflict: An exploratory study of conflict and its relationship with group innovation performance", International Journal of Conflict Management, Vol. 28 No. 5, pp. 538-562. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCMA-07-2016-0061