Conflict Management Interviews Are Effective, but Only if the Quality Is High

A variety of circumstances, from perceived inequities to unreasonable expectations, can trigger workplace conflict. If left to smolder, this conflict can flare up into costly outcomes that may include absenteeism, turnover, arbitration and litigation. Perhaps worst of all, it may produce a dysfunctional culture that stifles innovation and hinders an organization's effectiveness. Putting out the sparks of conflict before they ignite is one of the goals of Integrated Conflict Management Systems (ICMS), which place the responsibility of conflict resolution directly on managers and employees, rather than ombudspersons, human resource personnel, mediators, arbitrators and others.

Full story: Conflict Management Interviews Are Effective, but Only if the Quality Is High

Happy Family, Happy Work: Study links transformational leadership to attachment theory

“Transformational leadership — or behaviors that inspire followers to move beyond their own self-interest and work toward the good of the group — often fails to reach the levels needed by subordinates each day,” says Benjamin Dunford, an associate professor of organizational behavior/human resources at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. “Supervisors need regular support to ensure that they consistently display these expected behaviors at work.”

Full story: Happy Family, Happy Work: Study links transformational leadership to attachment theory

Up in Smoke: Employee burnout more prevalent among newcomers, internal job changers

Burnout — the word evokes a feeling of deflation. A smoking matchstick, a dwindling campfire, tires skidded to a stop. For many in the workplace, it’s a familiar feeling. Although the concept dates back to the 1970s, most studies addressed it from a static perspective. Research from Professor Benjamin Dunford at Purdue University's Krannert School of Management, however, takes a more dynamic approach by examining burnout throughout difference phases of employees' careers.

Full story: Up in Smoke: Employee burnout more prevalent among newcomers, internal job changers

Balancing Act: Happy hospital employees lead to more satisfied patients

Helping employees balance their work and family needs is increasingly important for not only attracting and retaining key talent in healthcare, but also for enhancing patient care. According to research by Ben Dunford, an associate professor of management at Krannert and a faculty affiliate of the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering in Purdue’s Discovery Park, more satisfied employees can mean more satisfied patients.

Full story: Balancing Act: Happy hospital employees lead to more satisfied patients

Work-Family Backlash

PhD grad Matthew Perrigino and faculty members Kelly Schwind Wilson and Benjamin Dunford discuss their research on work-family backlash

Conflict management

Benjamin Dunford discusses conflict management

Benjamin Dunford on Third Party Justice

Dr. Benjamin Dunford talks about third party justice in organizations and how organizations treat employees.