3RD-PARTY SENSEMAKING IN INTERPERSONAL CONFLICTS AT WORK - A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Theoretical and empirical models of interpersonal conflict focus prima rily on engagement and avoidance behaviors between the conflict partie s. Recent studies of workplace conflicts, however, suggest that encoun ters with third parties (e.g., co-workers, friends, family) are common responses to perceived incompatibility of interests. This paper intro duces a model for understanding conflict-induced sensemaking behaviors , grounded in the conflict and social cognition literatures. Three com ponents of sensemaking are proposed-emotional, cognitive, and behavior al. These elements are influenced by the focus of the party initiating sensemaking, as we illustrate through case-history scenarios.