A Dualistic Model of Harmony: Effects of Relationship Maintenance vs. Enhancement on Conflict and Innovative Behaviors

In the West, interpersonal disagreement is typically approached with a conflict framework, whereas in China, it is often understood and handled with the notion of harmony. This project proposes to validate a dualistic framework that distinguishes two harmony motives. Disintegration avoidance refers to the avoidance of actions that disrupt an ongoing relationship, whereas harmony enhancement refers to the engagement of actions that strengthen it. A preliminary study will be conducted to add items to the existing harmony scale to improve its reliability. The first study will examine how these two harmony motives are related to conflict behaviour. A sample of middle managers will be surveyed in mainland China to explore the processes behind the relationship between harmony enhancement and an integrative approach to conflict and between disintegration avoidance and dominating behaviour. The relationships between the harmony motives and work outcomes will also be explored. A second survey will be conducted to explore the effects of the two harmony motives on innovative behaviours. Specifically, the processes behind the relationships between the harmony motives and constructive controversies, perceived psychological safety, and innovative behaviours will be explored. The results obtained will have significant applied and theoretical implications.