Instigating, Engaging in, and Managing Group Conflict: A Review of the Literature Addressing the Critical Role of the Leader in Group Conflict

Abstract

We present an integrative review and synthesis of the literature on the ways leaders become involved in conflict. Studies have investigated the effect of leaders on some aspect of group conflict but there is no compilation of research that gives us a clear understanding of when, why, and how leaders influence group conflict. An integrative review and synthesis of this work will provide the field with insight into the myriad of ways that leaders regulate, manage, and even promote group conflict, something that is currently missing from the group conflict literature. Specifically, our multi-disciplinary review incorporates the role of leaders in instigating, engaging in, and managing group con..