Individual and organizational factors promoting successful responses to workplace conflict

Although conflict at work is a fairly common and often distressing occurrence, it is arguably a vital and necessary element of human interaction. Relevant to this special issue on positive psychology, we propose that the necessary short-term intensity of interpersonal conflict can bring about positive longer term consequences, including insight, connection, and strength. We synthesize research from organisational, family, social, and personality psychology identifying factors that support successful conflict responses. Individual factors of cognitive flexibility, an appropriate balance of self-other focus, emotion regulation, and fit of the person to the conflict situation show promise for conflict success and appear to be trainable. Organisational interventions, including individual training, work group conflict training, and mediation, also demonstrate efficacy in building conflict skills. We conclude by proposing implications for conflict resolution interventions and critical directions for future research.