How to Read Your Team Conflict Chart

These examples show how to interpret different combinations of conflict levels in a team.

Healthy Balance
Low relationship and process conflict, high task conflict.
Example
1 / 5
Relationship conflict
1 / 5
Process conflict
4 / 5
Task conflict

These results suggest a healthy team dynamic where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas without interpersonal tension. Teams should maintain this balance by encouraging open discussion while keeping interpersonal and process-related conflicts low.

Moderate Tension
Moderate relationship and process conflict, moderate task conflict
Example
2 / 5
Relationship conflict
2.5 / 5
Process conflict
3 / 5
Task conflict

These results suggest there is tension within the team, and disagreements are starting to affect collaboration. Teams should work to reduce relationship and process conflict while encouraging open discussion about ideas.

High Tension
High relationship and process conflict, task conflict can be high or low
Example
4 / 5
Relationship conflict
5 / 5
Process conflict
2.5 / 5
Task conflict

These results suggest a high level of tension within the team, which may impact how the team works together. When relationship or process conflict is high, task conflict becomes less effective. Focusing on reducing relationship and process conflict can help improve collaboration.

Sources & Further Reading

O'Neill, T. A., & McLarnon, M. J. W. (2018). Optimizing team conflict dynamics for high performance teamwork. Human Resource Management Review.

O'Neill, T. A., McLarnon, M. J. W., Hoffart, G. C., Woodley, H. J. R., & Allen, N. J. (2015). The structure and function of team conflict state profiles The Journal of Management.