Abstract
Third parties often react to an interpersonal conflict by taking sides. However, under the assumption that third parties are to help disputants resolve their problems, the topic of side-taking has been overlooked in the literature of conflict management. In this theoretical paper, we propose self-interest, moral, and relationship motives to explain the psychological mechanism of sidetaking. We then discuss how disputant-related factors (in terms of the effects of status differences between third parties and disputants), dispute-related factors (in terms of conflict types), and contextual factors (in terms of individualism/collectivism) have an influence on the three types of side-taking motives to gain a deeper and broader understanding of side-taking. By focusing on sidetaking and analyzing its motives, our theoretical framework connects and extends the literatures on third-party intervention and coalition formation. It also bridges the gap between individuals, dyads, groups, and organizations at different levels of conflict processes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 174-191 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Organizational Psychology Review |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 2-3 |
Early online date | 28-Oct-2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov-2018 |
Keywords
- OUTCOME FAVORABILITY
- PROCEDURAL FAIRNESS
- 3RD PARTIES
- PERFORMANCE
- TASK
- INTERVENTION
- PREFERENCE
- RESOLUTION
- IMPACT
- SELF