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86De Dreu, C. K.W., & Weingart, L. R. (2003b). A contingency theory of task conflict and performance in groups and organizational teams. In M. A. West, D. Tjosvold, & K. G. Smith (Eds.), International handbook of organizational teamwork and cooperative working. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons LTD.

CONTINGENCY THEORY OF TASK CONFLICT AND PERFORMANCE IN TEAMS

A contingency perspective views team performance as a function of the type of task conflict, the conflict management approach, and the nature of the task performed by the group.86 As can be seen in Exhibit 8-5, the amount of conflict is a direct determinant of team performance and individual well-being (i.e., individual satisfaction).

Team Performance

Task Conflict

Type of Conflict Conflict Management Approach

Collaborate (high concern for self and others)

Content Routine Process Complex

Ill-definedContend(high concern for self) Avoidance

Uncertainty About Task

Individual Health and Well-being

Exhibit 8-5 Conflict and Team Performance Based on De Dreu, C.K.W., Weingart, L.R. (2003b). A contingency theory of task conflict and performance in groups and organizational teams. In M.A. West, D. Tjosvold, K.G. Smith (Eds.), International handbook of organizational teamwork and cooperative working. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, © Leigh L. Thompson.

with numerous future disputes). Gert eventually accommodated Tim’s wishes and agreed to move production to Asia. The mother and son team carved out separate areas of authority and avoided frequent contact. Specifically, Tim focused on driving “Columbia’s strategy and expanding the company globally; Gert became the company’s ambassador, hosting company tours” and starring in Columbia’s marketing ads as “one tough mother.” Their differing responsibilities, and the fact that they moved their offices to opposite sides of the company headquarters, reduced the potential for conflict. The two learned how to work together, and separately, for the benefit of the company. The company achieved record sales of $2.1 billion in 2014 and shares rose 25 percent in 2015. That year the company launched a global advertising campaign “Tested Tough,” which featured 91-year-old Gert—still the company chairman and still coming to work every day as she has for 50 years.

Exhibit 8-4 Columbia Sportswear Company Based on Steen, M. (2011, Autumn). Columbia sportswear: An American success story. Family Business Magazine. familybusinessmagazine.com; Anders, G. (2005, October 10). When mom is chairwoman and son is CEO, tension reigns. Wall Street Journal, p. B1; Valdiva, S. (2015, November 12). Businessperson of the year: Tim Boyle, CEO, Columbia Sportswear. Fortune. fortune.com, © Leigh L. Thompson.

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