Fact Sheet: Managing Sources of Conflict in Collaborative Settings

Anyone who has been involved in a collaborative process knows that a conflict within the group typically involves multiple participants, can be complex, and can intensify dramatically, if left unresolved. Everyone involved has their own thoughts and feelings about what is happening as well as perceptions about the thoughts and feelings of others. As conflict increases, reasonable people may demonstrate irrational or unwarranted behaviors. Natural reactions to these behaviors may be to strike back, give in, or break off. Objectivity--the faculty needed most to navigate conflict effectively--is sacrificed

VIRTUAL TEAM INTERACTIONS: DO THEY HELP OR HINDER INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION?

A lack of trust, communication breakdowns, or badly integrated team members are a few of the reasons why a team can fail. To address whether leader and team member perceptions of communication within the team are similar, this study explores interpersonal communications among leadership and team members and considers whether today’s technology helps or hinders successful knowledge sharing and relationship building within virtual teams

When is computer-mediated intergroup contact most promising? Examining the effect of out-group members' anonymity on prejudice

Computer-mediated intergroup contact (CMIC) is a valuable strategy to reduce negative sentiments towards members of different social groups. We examined whether characteristics of communication media that facilitate intergroup encounters shape its effect on out-group attitudes. Specifically, we propose that concealing individuating cues about out-group members during CMIC increases prejudice, as interaction partners are perceived as less socially present. To assess these hypotheses, we conducted two mixed-factorial experiments. Participants engaged in synchronous intergroup contact via text-chat with out-group members (Study 1) and a confederate (Study 2) who either shared or concealed their name and photo. Overall, CMIC reduced negative out-group sentiments. Study 2 showed, however, that out-group members' anonymity decreased perceived social presence, which was associated with less positive evaluations of the CMIC and higher prejudice. In conclusion, CMIC can contribute to conflict resolution interventions, preparing individuals for direct intergroup contact, if its affordances or conversation topics enhance interaction partners' social presence