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Abstract For most knowledge teams,task conflicts resulted from individual cognitive differences cannot be avoided .Conflicts of this kind are both constructive and destructive,the outcomes of which depend mainly on the acts and performances of both sides involved in the interaction . In order to manage intra-group task conflicts effectively,it seems necessary and important to understand and grasp the logic and the rule of team members .Generally,conflicts are considered to be typical face events for most Chinese . The selection and combination of various conflict-handling modes are in essence a manipulation of face . Uncovering the mechanism of face will help to improve the management of task conflicts in a knowledge team,and to keep the conflicts away from escalation . This study demonstrates that perceived face threats do act as a mediator in the process of intra-group task conflicts . Team members,interacting during the conflicts,will perceive at least three kinds of face threats,which include face threats based on interpersonal relationships,individual abilities,and morality . They choose the″right″mode to handle intra-group task conflicts in line with their perceptions .
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Received: 18 May 2010
Published: 10 November 2010
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