The effect of interpersonal conflict on employee behaviors: the role of perception of politics and competence uncertainty

Article

Prince, R., Vihari, N.S., Udayakumar, G. and Rao, M.K. 2024. The effect of interpersonal conflict on employee behaviors: the role of perception of politics and competence uncertainty. International Journal of Conflict Management. 35 (4), pp. 796-815. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCMA-06-2023-0113
TypeArticle
TitleThe effect of interpersonal conflict on employee behaviors: the role of perception of politics and competence uncertainty
AuthorsPrince, R., Vihari, N.S., Udayakumar, G. and Rao, M.K.
Abstract

Purpose
Conflict, between individuals and groups, in organizations is a common phenomenon and can have varied implication for the employee and the organization. This paper aims to determine whether experiencing interpersonal conflict drives employees to engage in prosocial behavior (prohibitive voice) and antisocial behavior (interpersonal deviance). Using Stressor–Emotion Model, Uncertainty Management Theory and Impression Management Motives, this study examines the relationship and explores competence uncertainty as a mediator and perception of politics as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a cross-sectional design where data collected is from 386 employees working in nine different public sector enterprises in India. Structural equation modeling using SPSS AMOS was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships.

Findings
The results show that interpersonal conflict leads to both prohibitive voice behavior and interpersonal deviance. However, the mediating role of competence uncertainty is valid only for the effect of conflict on interpersonal deviance. Also, the perception of politics strengthens the positive relationship between interpersonal conflict and competence uncertainty.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first empirical studies to have validated prosocial and antisocial work behavior as outcomes of interpersonal conflict. Again, this is one of the first few studies to examine the mechanism through which interpersonal conflict impacts interpersonal deviance.

KeywordsProhibitive voice; Competence uncertainty; Politics; Interpersonal conflict; Deviance
Sustainable Development Goals8 Decent work and economic growth
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
PublisherEmerald Group Publishing
JournalInternational Journal of Conflict Management
ISSN1044-4068
Electronic1758-8545
Publication dates
Online26 Dec 2023
Print28 Jun 2024
Publication process dates
Submitted13 Jun 2023
Accepted09 Dec 2023
Deposited02 Jul 2025
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
License
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

This author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please visit Marketplace: https://marketplace.copyright.com/rs-ui-web/mp

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCMA-06-2023-0113
LanguageEnglish
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