Expanding structurational divergence theory by exploring the escalation of incompatible structures to conflict cycles in nursing

Abstract

Intractable workplace conflicts that impede individual and organizational success are common, yet little is understood about how such cycles are formed. Structurational divergence (SD) theory explains intractable conflict cycles resulting from incompatible meaning structures. SD-nexus is the interpenetration of equally compelling but incompatible structures, creating unresolvable conflicts, thus escalating the SD-nexus to the SD-cycle of intractable conflict: unresolvable conflict, immobilization, and erosion of development that perpetuates the unresolvable conflicts. The presence of both SD-nexus and SD-cycle is diagnosed as SD. SD has been studied in nursing, contributing to negative occupational outcomes (e.g., burnout, bullying, role conflict, low job satisfaction, and high turnover). No research has examined how SD-nexus escalates to SD-cycle. This study presents an exploratory secondary analysis of data from a previous study. Communication-related variables that are significantly correlated with SD were used to determine which may be associated with SD-nexus-to-SD-cycle escalation. Results suggest that nonconfrontational conflict management style and taking conflict personally may escalate SD. Future research examining these variables, along with self-efficacy and other variables gleaned from the literature, is recommended.