Using System Dynamics to understand Workplace Conflict

This study uses a systemic approach to explore the dynamics of learning and negative emotion in workplace intraorganisational conflict. Our dynamic hypothesis was that the endogenous dynamics between the level of intraorganisational conflict and the levels of learning and negative emotion, which are accumulating in the organisation as by-products of conflict, are causing the conflict level to oscillate. A review by Cronin & Berzukova (2006) identified two problematic, undesired patterns of intraorganisational conflict development over time (Group Disintegration, Groupthink) and one desired pattern of moderate conflict level (Cohesion and Resilience), which comprised our Reference Mode. …