O'Neill, T; Spillane, J P and Carmody, S (2022) The composition and classification of interpersonal conflict in Irish construction small and medium-sized enterprises: A case study. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 38th Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2022, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract
Although the adversarial environment in which the construction labour force operates is widely accepted, further analysis of the composition and types of conflict present, is absent. This paper aims to categorise the various types of interpersonal conflict (IPC) that manifest because of these relationships. This is carried out by completing a literature review, to identify the variety of categories of IPC. 20 Semi-structured interviews, based on these findings allow participants to detail their experiences with IPC. Interviews are conducted with employees of a singular Irish construction SME. Task and relationship conflict are the most prevalent forms of IPC found. The research highlights high levels of co-occurrence between conflict types due to interactions with external factors. The findings of this research supplement previous works which highlight the link between conflict types, conflict management strategies, and team outcomes. These findings will enable management to effectively categories the type of IPC present and subsequently implement the optimal conflict management strategy.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | dispute; interpersonal; process; relationship; task. |
| Index terms: | strategy, relationship conflict, literature review, conflict management, dispute, interaction, interview, case study, construction labour |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, behavioral psychology, management, conflict resolution, dispute resolution, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Legal Issues, Stakeholder Management, Site Management, Research Practice, Human Resources, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here