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Introduction
Of all the factors affecting group functioning in organizations, interpersonal conflict is arguably the most important in terms of its impact on performance and on group member satisfaction. This article offers a partial explanation of intragroup conflict based on a new construct, the shadow group. This construct is derived from Jungian psychology, specifically the notion of the shadow ([24] Jung, 1968, pp. 8-9). While each person can be seen as having a shadow or hidden part to their individual psyche, the shadow group is hypothesized to be the collection of all the shadow parts of the various members of a work or other group. The shadow group is no phantasm, but rather a hidden reality that parallels the normal functioning of work groups and which takes over their interaction when one or more individual members are engulfed by their shadow selves during emotionally-based interpersonal conflict.
There is an extensive research literature on the nature and effects of conflict in work groups (e.g. [1] Barsade et al. , 2000; [3] De Dreu and Weingart, 2003; [7] Geitzkow and Gyr, 1954; [19] Jehn, 1997, [18] 1995; [20] Jehn and Mannix, 2001; [33] Pelled et al. , 1999; [29] Medina et al. , 2005; [31] Passos and Caetano, 2005). However, there is a need for further research and theory development exploring the dynamics of relationship conflict that has been found to be generally disruptive of both group performance and member affective reactions. In particular, it is important to understand the role of negative emotionality in relationship conflict so that it can be effectively managed in practice. The following analysis of new constructs in interpersonal dynamics aims to increase such understanding.
Understanding the self-in-group
The present concept of the shadow group as integral to intragroup relationship conflict dynamics, draws on a new model of the "self-in-group" that distinguishes between the "overt self" and the "shadow self" (see Figure 1 [Figure omitted. See Article Image.]). The overt self is the set of personal characteristics or qualities we are aware of in ourselves, that we use to self-define ourselves and that we reveal to others. Further, our overt self is responsible for managing our interaction with the world and with others in the group. The shadow self, by contrast, is...