Benefits of cross-functional conflict in the new product performance context

What is it about?

This paper posits an antecedents and consequences model of constructive conflict (or the benefits derived from cross-functional conflict). The managers of a sample of innovating Spanish firms perceive positive changes when the parties in conflict: (1) exchange information to solve problems; (2) emphasize their common interests; and (3) make an effort to maintain good relations. The results of the study also indicate that collaborating to seek a solution to conflicts between areas indirectly influences the new product programme performance through constructive conflict.

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Why is it important?

This study makes some contributions by: (1)examining cross-functional conflict in differ-ent functional areas; (2) providing a study ofthe constructive conflict-new product perfor-mance link in Spanish firms; (3) emphasizingthe role of collaboration as a positive determi-nant of the perception of benefits after a con-flict; and (4) testing the causal relationshipsbetween the variables at a programme level of analysis.