Leadership Styles and Conflict Resolution in Cross-Disciplinary Clinical Research Teams

Sujeet Yadav

Independent Researcher

India

Abstract

Cross-disciplinary clinical research teams represent the confluence of diverse scientific backgrounds, perspectives, and operational styles, making them inherently susceptible to conflict. Effective leadership plays a crucial role in mitigating these challenges while promoting team cohesion and research productivity. This study investigates how various leadership styles—namely transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire—affect conflict resolution mechanisms within cross-disciplinary clinical research settings. By conducting a structured review of prior empirical and theoretical literature and analyzing team dynamics in clinical environments, this manuscript identifies key drivers that influence conflict management efficacy. Findings reveal that transformational leadership is most associated with proactive conflict prevention and resolution, largely due to its focus on motivation, vision sharing, and individualized consideration. The paper contributes a conceptual framework linking leadership behavior, conflict type, and team outcomes, offering recommendations for clinical research managers aiming to foster innovation and harmony in multidisciplinary environments.

Keywords

Clinical research teams; cross-disciplinary collaboration; leadership styles; conflict resolution; transformational leadership; team dynamics; interdisciplinary research; healthcare innovation; communication; research productivity

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