Team conflict in ICT-rich environments: Roles of technologies in conflict management |
| |
| Authors: | Ana-Paula Correia |
| |
| Institution: | College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | This study looks at how an information and communication technologies (ICT)‐rich environment impacts team conflict and conflict management strategies. A case study research method was used. Three teams, part of a graduate class in instructional design, participated in the study. Data were collected through observations of team meetings, interviews with individual members, plus analysis of electronic documents exchanged among team members. Findings indicate that all teams experienced conflict at some level and that conflict management strategies evolved over time. ICT played a dual role in the conflict management of teams. These technologies seemed to facilitate conflict management by offering a formal means of communication, by making communication more effective with minimal waste or unnecessary effort, and by creating opportunities for more thoughtful reactions, with chances for reflection on the content. However, ICT also aggravated conflict, specifically when strategies for use were imposed, when team members became blunt and forthright, and when misinterpretations occurred because of differing senses of urgency in replying to emails. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
