Shame, Guilt, and Behavioral Responses to Conflict in Organizational Life: A Correlational Study

Author

Lori Anne ShawFollow

Campus Location

Dallas Campus (Online)

Date of Award

8-2024

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4878-2103

Document Type

Dissertation

Department

Organizational Leadership

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Committee Chair or Primary Advisor

Jackie Halstead

Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor

Stephanie Hamm

Third Committee Member or Committee Reader

Andrew Lumpe

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between self-conscious emotions, namely shame and guilt, and constructive and destructive behavioral responses to conflict among working adults in the United States. Researchers have underscored the importance of task-focused conflict and adaptive leadership in fostering positive conflict outcomes. However, the connection between shame and guilt and behavioral responses has yet to be explored. Drawing upon the Conflict Dynamics Profile and the Test of Self-Conscious Affect-3, this correlational study examined the associations between shame and guilt and 15 distinct behavioral responses to conflict among a sample of 203 participants, mostly women employed full-time. The cross-sectional survey methodology revealed significant correlations between shame and destructive behaviors, including self-criticism and avoiding tactics. At the same time, guilt was positively associated with constructive behaviors such as reaching out to the other person, creating solutions with the other person, and taking the other person’s perspective. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of how self-conscious emotions shape conflict dynamics in organizational settings. However, limitations regarding generalizability and self-report measures warrant consideration. Future research should consider how intersectionality contributes to organizational conflict theories and how psychological safety correlates with destructive and constructive behavioral responses to conflict.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Shaw, Lori Anne, "Shame, Guilt, and Behavioral Responses to Conflict in Organizational Life: A Correlational Study" (2024). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 808.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/808