Mary Parker Follett's Constructive Conflict: A “Psychological Foundation of Business Administration” for Innovative Global Enterprises

Abstract

Mary Parker Follett (1868–1933) was best known for her in-depth analysis of conflict situations in public and business organizations. According to her, “constructive conflict,” based on her idea of inventive integration, is one of the key principles at “the heart of personnel relations in industry.” In the present study, Follett's contributions related to constructive conflict are reassessed in the context of their relevance and utility for innovative growth of global enterprises competing in highly dynamic economies today. This article describes her conceptual development of the different elements of constructive conflict based on an inventive integration of differences between diverse individualities. Also discussed is how Follett's constructive conflict is related with her other psychological foundations of business administration. These foundations include 1. experiential tacit knowledge,2. face-to-face communication and participation,3. empowerment and control,4. organizational dynamics, and5. the strategic contextual leadership. Finally, we explore current and future implications for researchers and practicing managers of innovative global enterprises.

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