When task conflict triggers relationship conflict

Task conflict is usually "two-edge sword", whereas relationship conflict is dysfunctional. The two types of conflict are positively correlated. Task conflict sometimes leads to negative outcomes through relationship conflict. A research model was set up to test whether task type buffers the association of task conflict with relationship conflict. Results of the empirical study show that task conflict does have a positive correlation with relationship conflict. However, the positive correlation between the two types of conflict is weaker when task type is nonroutine than when it is routine. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.