Exploring interpersonal conflicts within the JD-R model: aggregation and validation in the context of elementary school employees in Croatia

This study aims to enhance the Job Demand-Resources (JD-R) model by incorporating the aggregation approach and addressing the research gap concerning interpersonal conflicts within this framework. Building on the theoretical background and placing interpersonal conflicts in the JD-R framework, we adopted a quantitative research design, utilizing a structured probabilistic sample of 343 elementary school employees in Croatia who responded to the COPSOQ III questionnaire distributed online. Furthermore, validating the COPSOQ III questionnaire in Croatian ensures the relevance and applicability of the findings in this cultural context. We employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed model and establish a second-level higher-order model, assessing and analyzing the relationships within the JD-R model. The results indicate that conflicts and quarrels, as proxies for interpersonal conflicts, thrive when perceived job resources are high, and job demands are low, leading to improved health outcomes. These findings suggest that interpersonal conflicts may serve as a mechanism for mobilizing resources to cope with job demands, emphasizing the importance of effectively managing conflicts for healthier and more productive work relationships and environment. Dive into the intriguing world of Croatian elementary schools, where our study reveals a surprising twist: conflicts among elementary school employees aren’t always a sign of trouble. In fact, they can be a secret weapon for stress relief and better health. We’ve uncovered that not all conflicts are harmful; some can act as cathartic events, helping to resolve tensions and improve well-being, transforming the school environment for the better. Interpersonal conflicts may serve as a mechanism for mobilizing resources to cope with job demands, emphasizing the importance of effectively managing conflicts for healthier and more productive work relationships and environment. Our research sheds new light on the delicate balance of job demands and resources in education, offering a fresh perspective on how to foster a more harmonious and productive workplace. It’s not just about reducing conflicts but understanding their hidden potential.