Toward an event-oriented conceptualization of conflict: reflections on three decades of conflict research

Abstract

Purpose How to depict conflict characteristics? Previous literature has overwhelmingly used intensity and frequency of conflict, resulting in an incomplete understanding of conflict itself and its impacts. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper aims to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for conflict attributes. Design/methodology/approach Through a systematic and integrative literature review, this study has achieved the objectives by synthesizing the current state of knowledge on conflict and borrowing insights from event system theory. Findings A total of 16 conflict attributes were identified to constitute the event-oriented conceptualization of conflict, describing conflict from three dimensions – strength, time and space. Four promising areas for future conflict inquiry are proposed: linking the effectiveness of conflict to its attributes; exploring the interplay and configuration of multiple conflict attributes; progressing from variance- to process-oriented conflict theories; and developing symmetric/asymmetric views of conflict. Originality/value This paper conceptually clarifies conflict attributes from the event perspective and offers a nuanced understanding of conflict, which contributes to the current fragmented knowledge of conflict attributes. Scholars can build on this study’s findings to fill gaps and move conflict research forward. It also enhances researchers’ awareness of time and space and thus encourages more longitudinal exploration into the dynamics of conflict.

Mapping the knowledge base and theoretical evolution of workplace conflict outcomes: a bibliometric and qualitative review, 1972–2022

“…Highly cited reviews identified in this study, along with other relevant ones, can be consulted to gain a comprehensive understanding of knowledge accumulation (Loughry and Amason, 2014; O’Neill and McLarnon, 2018; Pai and Bendersky, 2020; Bradley et al , 2015; Jehn et al , 2015; Poitras, 2012; Schmidt et al , 2014; Hülsheger et al , 2009). Current scholarly efforts focus not only on refining conflict categorization and but also on conceptualizing conflict with nuanced attributes (Zhang et al , 2023).…”

“…Emerging theoretical streams, including conflict asymmetry, conflict expression, system dynamics framework, conflict history and memory and conflict contagion and concentration, warrant further empirical evidence and critical reviews (Zhang et al , 2023). For example, Shah et al (2021) suggest that exploring conflict evolution across different time and levels of analysis can yield significant insights into conflict patterns and their impact on teams.…”

“…For example, Shah et al (2021) suggest that exploring conflict evolution across different time and levels of analysis can yield significant insights into conflict patterns and their impact on teams. Moreover, the refinement of conflict nature, as proposed by Zhang et al (2023) with their event-oriented conceptualization, opens avenues for exploring conflict attributes from different dimensions.…”