The Role of Relationship Conflict and Mindfulness in the Consequences of Task Conflict

Abstract

To date, there is a lack of research that explains the linkages between relationship conflict, task conflict, team mindfulness, perceived stress, and social undermining. In particular, little attention has been paid to these constructions in the context of the virtual workplace. The present study attempts to fill this research gap. The aim of this research is to examine the mediating role of team mindfulness between task conflict and perceived stress. Additionally, it also investigates the moderating role of relationship conflict on task conflict and outcomes including perceived stress and social undermining. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 230 respondents working in virtual work teams of different information and communication technology organizations in Pakistan. The results have shown a significant indirect effect of task conflict on perceived stress through team awareness. Although relationship conflict moderates the relationship between task conflict and perceived stress, it has no impact on the relationship between task conflict and social undermining. The findings of this study have a number of implications for research and human resource managers.