Conflict can be defined as “a dynamic process
that occurs between interdependent parties as they
experience negative emotional reactions to perceived disagreements and interference with the attainment of
their goals” (Barki & Hartwick, 2004, p. 234).
Conflict contains cognitive, behavioral, and affective
components that are represented through disagreements
(cognitive), interference behaviors (behavioral),
and negative emotions (affective). Intragroup conflict
in sport is multidimensional in nature in that conflict
occurs in both task and social situations (Paradis,
Carron, & Martin, 2014a, 2014b). Task conflict is
reflected through discrepancies between individuals
surrounding the nature of the task being performed
including but not limited to differences in viewpoints,
opinions, strategies, execution, delegation, positional
play, or task interaction. Social conflict reflects interpersonal
incompatibilities that include tension, animosity,
personal friction, personality clashes, personal
attacks, or verbal and physical clashes beyond the task
(i.e., competition or practice). Conflict between teammates
as well as conflict between coaches and athletes
have similar conceptual typologies in that the nature
of the construct remains the same; however, the context
in which it occurs and the associated antecedents
and consequences can be quite different. There is
debate as to whether conflict is a positive or a negative
occurrence in terms of group functioning.
Researchers have highlighted the negative impact conflict
has on cohesion, satisfaction, and performance
(Paradis et al., 2014b), whereas others have argued
that only social conflict really has negative outcomes,
and task conflict may produce some positive outcomes
(Martin & Beauchamp, 2014). However, the important
consideration to remember is not to confuse the nature
of a conflict with outcomes or consequences (i.e.,
cohesion, satisfaction, performance). The nature of
conflict and the conflict episode is a negative and
unpleasant experience often accompanied by and
reflected through negative emotions. However, i.e.,
not to say that a positive outcome could be realized
from a conflict episode. A positive outcome could
occur following task conflict where consensus can be
built, new strategies and ideas emerge, and mutual
understandings are reached. Less likely to benefit
from a positive outcome is social conflict, where personal
attacks and personality clashes rarely yield any
positive individual or group outcomes.
