Always Getting What You Want? Employee Expectations About Leadership Conflict Behavior in Co-Worker Conflict

Abstract

This study focuses on employees‘ expectations about leadership behavior in employee conflicts as a possible factor in determining effects of such behavior. Specifically, we examine perceptions, evaluations and expectations of employees vice versa their direct leader when experiencing a conflict with a colleague. We consider whether or not employees call in the supervisor themselves as a crucial factor. We also explore to what extent violation of expectations influences the relationship with the leader as well as the process and outcomes of the conflict. Sixteen semi-structured in-depth interviews with respondents from a range of sectors, organizations, positions, ages and educational backgrounds provided data of 20 authentic conflict cases. Generally, results show that although employees often regard dealing with conflict as an obligation for organizational leaders, they are also inclined not to involve their supervisor. Explanations and implications for organizational conflict management are being discussed.

Keywords: Interpersonal conflict, leadership behavior, implicit leadership theory, psychological contract