title: The positive and negative effects of anger on dispute resolution: evidence from electronically mediated disputes.
abstract: Scholars have argued that anger expressed by participants in mediation is counterproductive; yet, there is also reason to believe that expressions of anger can be productive. The authors tested these competing theories of emotion by using data from online mediation. Results show that expression of anger lowers the resolution rate in mediation and that this effect occurs in part because expressing anger generates an angry response by the other party. However, when respondents are especially vulnerable, expressions of anger by the filer do not hinder settlement. The authors also examined precursors to anger, such as value of dispute and reputation, and the degree to which a focus on dispute resolution is reciprocated.
authors.affiliation: Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. ray.friedman@owen.vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Ray
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brett
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olekalns
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Goates
authors.forename: Cara Cherry
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lisco
mesh_terms: D000786:Anger; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008960:Models, Psychological; D017008:Negotiating