It is almost inevitable that coworkers will eventually have a disagreement, especially when they work closely with each other. Still, disagreements about how tasks should be accomplished can lead to detrimental effects, like withdrawal or an increase in deviant behavior. New research (Pereira and Porto, 2025) considers how the team’s climate can influence the outcomes of these conflicts.
THE RESEARCH STUDY
Using data gathered online from 223 Brazilian workers, the researchers measured the task-related conflicts employees were experiencing. They also measured different facets of the team and organizational climate. For example, did organizations encourage independence and self-service, or did they encourage helping and following the rules?
The researchers found that task-related conflicts are related to deviant and counterproductive behavior among employees. This is especially true in highly independent and self-serving climates. However, when the climate of the team and organization promoted helping and rule-following, task-conflict had less of an influence on deviant behavior.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Teams are an essential part of the modern organization, so team cohesion is important. In line with the research presented in this article, organizations should consider doing the following:
- Promote a culture that encourages cooperation and helping within teams. This also entails dissuading hyper-individualism and self-serving behavior.
- Talk to employees who engage in counterproductive work behavior to determine the underlying root cause, especially when the behavior occurs on teams.
- Train employees to identify opportunities to help and support others, rather than compete with them.
Pereira, S. M., & Porto, J. B. (2025). The role of ethical climate in the relationship between task conflict and counterproductive behavior. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 41(1), 11-18.
Image credit: Unsplash+