Testing activity reduces conflict associated strain (ARCAS) model: A test of moderated mediation model of relationship conflict and employee well-being

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the activity reduces conflict associated strain (ARCAS) model with the aid of AET examining the direct effect of relationship conflict on employee well-being and also discussing the mechanism through which relationship conflict influences employee well-being, and also to test the ARCAS model examining whether passive and active conflict management styles influence this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses were collected from 554 software engineers using structured questionnaire and postulated relationships were tested using Process Macros.

Findings

The study established that relationship conflicts are detrimental to employee well-being. It also established the indirect effect of relationship conflict on employee well-being through negative affect state. Negative affect state is an intra-personal mechanism linking relationship conflict and employee well-being. The study also extended the ARCAS model by establishing that passive ways of handling conflict amplify and problem-solving conflict management style mitigates the adverse impact of relationship conflict. Contrary to the prediction, forcing conflict management style was found to amplify the adverse effect of relationship conflict on well-being through negative affect state.

Practical implications

The findings of the study highlight the detrimental effect of relationship conflict on well-being and highlight the vital role of individual affective states in the conflict process. Furthermore, the study provides valuable insights for managers on how individuals’ conflict management styles influence the effect of relationship conflict on well-being.

Originality/value

The study specifically examined the effect of relationship conflict on employee well-being and explored the psychological process through which relationship conflict diminishes well-being. Moreover, the study tested and extended ARCAS model with the aid of Affective Events Theory.

Citation

Kuriakose, V., S., S., Jose, H. and Jose, S. (2020), "Testing activity reduces conflict associated strain (ARCAS) model: A test of moderated mediation model of relationship conflict and employee well-being", Personnel Review, Vol. 49 No. 1, pp. 125-148. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-11-2018-0462