Interpersonal conflicts in the workplace frequently involve conversations with coworkers and outsiders as a means of making sense of the conflict situation. However, little is known about the factors associated with the use of third-party discussions or the impact of these discussions on subsequent behavior. This study examined informal third-party discussions in the workplace, as described by 396 individuals involved in interpersonal conflicts. Results indicate that conflict intensity and relative power are likely to affect the incidence and timing of third-party discussions and that discussions witi people inside and outside the organization can have differential effects on the assertiveness and cooperativeness of behavior.
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