A Descriptive Study of Conflict Management Styles in Cross-Functional Teams: A Case Study of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Abstract

This study examines the effect of conflict management styles on team collaboration and performance within cross-functional teams at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Using a case study approach and qualitative data derived from secondary sources, the research explores how TCS handles conflict within its teams, focusing on organizational documents, internal reports, and expert insights. The findings showed that collaboration had the most significant and positive effect on team dynamics, fostering collaboration, task completion, and satisfaction. Avoidance, however, was detrimental to performance, thus stress must be placed on addressing conflicts as soon as they arise. Compromise was said to aid the completion of tasks but barely benefited team cohesion and satisfaction. So, on these grounds, TCS should look into conflict management training, stressing collaborative conflict resolution to improve team performance. This study hence further deepens the understanding of conflict management in cross-functional teams, specifically those in multinational firms such as TCS.