The Positive and Negative Effects of Anger on Dispute Resolution: Evidence from Electronically Mediated Disputes

Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 89, No. 2, pp. 369-376, 2004

8 Pages Posted: 17 Oct 2006

See all articles by Ray Friedman

Ray Friedman

Vanderbilt University - Organizational Behavior

Jeanne M. Brett

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

Cameron Anderson

University of California, Berkeley - Organizational Behavior & Industrial Relations Group; University of California, Berkeley

Mara Olekalns

University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School

Nathan Goates

Independent

Cara Cherry Lisco

Square Trade

Abstract

Scholars have argued that anger expressed by participants in mediation is counterproductive; yet, there is also reason to believe that expressions of anger can be productive. The authors tested these competing theories of emotion by using data from online mediation. Results show that expression of anger lowers the resolution rate in mediation and that this effect occurs in part because expressing anger generates an angry response by the other party. However, when respondents are especially vulnerable, expressions of anger by the filer do not hinder settlement. The authors also examined precursors to anger, such as value of dispute and reputation, and the degree to which a focus on dispute resolution is reciprocated.

Keywords: anger,emotion,conflict,cmc,dispute resolution,mediation

Suggested Citation

Friedman, Raymond A. and Brett, Jeanne M. and Anderson, Cameron P. and Olekalns, Mara and Goates, Nathan and Lisco, Cara Cherry, The Positive and Negative Effects of Anger on Dispute Resolution: Evidence from Electronically Mediated Disputes. Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 89, No. 2, pp. 369-376, 2004, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=938187

Raymond A. Friedman (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Organizational Behavior ( email )

401 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
United States
615-322-3992 (Phone)
615-343-7177 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://mba.vanderbilt.edu/faculty/rfriedman.cfm

Jeanne M. Brett

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management ( email )

2001 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
United States
847-491-8075 (Phone)
847-491-8896 (Fax)

Cameron P. Anderson

University of California, Berkeley - Organizational Behavior & Industrial Relations Group ( email )

University of California, Berkeley ( email )

310 Barrows Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720
United States

Mara Olekalns

University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School ( email )

200 Leicester Street
Carlton, Victoria 3053 3186
Australia
+61 3 9349 8146 (Phone)
+61 3 9349 8133 (Fax)

Nathan Goates

Independent

Cara Cherry Lisco

Square Trade ( email )

50 First Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

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