African Journal of
Business Management

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Bus. Manage.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1993-8233
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJBM
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 4194

Full Length Research Paper

Interindividual-intergroup discontinuity effect based on harmonious management

XU Yuan and LI CHANG Hong*
School of Management, Shan Xi University, TaiYuan ShanXi, 030006, China.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 26 July 2012
  •  Published: 21 January 2013

Abstract

 

Effect on interindividual-intergroup discontinuity means that groups are more competitive than individuals. This study uses matrix game and experimentation to integrate realistic conflict theory as well as social identity theory. It emphasizes that intergroup interaction is different from interindividual interaction. Compared with interindividual interaction, two sides in the game of group interaction are more greedy and unreliable. Besides, their decision-making is more reasonable. In conclusion, this paper put forward several important methods which can reduce intergroup conflicts for managers, namely, attention on long-term interests, appointment of strong leaders, sympathy on external groups and super ordinate goal setting. How these strategies complement with each other to become a harmonious mechanism for social and enterprise management is an issue that still needs further discussion in future.

 

Key words: Interindividual-intergroup discontinuity, interindividual conflicts, intergroup conflicts, harmonious management, matrix game.