The effect of colleague conflict on innovative behavior, the roles of work engagement and proactive personality in this relation: An application in the aviation sector

In this study, it is aimed to examine the effect of possible conflicts in the working environment in the air transport sector on innovative behaviors that are critical for the formation of changes and innovations in the sector. Research data were collected with the voluntary participation of employees at a company in the aviation sector. Survey design from quantitative research methods was adopted for the study. In this context, the survey method was used as the data collection method and 393 available questionnaires were obtained. Using the data obtained, the hypothesis was tested through structural equation modeling in order to reveal the direct effect of interpersonal conflict on innovative behaviors and indirect effect on work engagement, and to determine the mediating effect of proactive personality on this relationship. The findings were discussed according to the results of comparative tables and hypothesis. The findings revealed that interpersonal conflict had a significant negative impact on innovative behavior and work engagement. On the other hand, it was found that work engagement has a full mediator effect between interpersonal conflict and innovative behaviors. In addition, it was understood that proactive personality reduced the effect of conflict as a moderator between interpersonal conflict with colleagues and innovative behaviors, and proactive personality had a significant moderator role in the indirect relationship between these three variables. In the results and recommendations section of the study, suggestions for application and further research were made.