Workplace Conflict Effect on Innovative Behavior: The Roles of Engagement and Proactive Personality

Abstract

Conflict is as natural a phenomenon as harmony in social relations. In all industries, especially those prioritizing collaborative teamwork, it is clear that effective conflict management is critical to sustaining positive employee relationships. With this study, we set out to investigate the impact of workplace conflicts on employee innovation. For this purpose, data were collected from aviation industry employees through a survey, and 393 responses were received. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses regarding the direct and indirect effects of conflict with colleagues on innovative behaviors. The study revealed that conflict with colleagues has a detrimental impact on both innovative behaviors and work engagement. Work engagement was identified as a completely mediator in the relationship between conflict and innovative behaviors. Furthermore, proactive personality was found to moderate the influence of conflict on innovative behaviors, also playing a significant role in the indirect relationship among these variables. The research concludes with practical recommendations and suggestions for future studies.

Keywords

• Conflict with colleagues
• Innovative behaviors
• Work engagement
• Proactive personality.

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