Substantive vs Affective

Substantive conflict deals with disagreements among group members about the content of the tasks being performed or the performance itself.  This type of conflict occurs when two or more social entities disagree on the recognition and solution to a task problem, including differences in viewpoits, ideas and opinions.

Affective conflict deals with interpersonal relationships or incompatibilities.  It is generated from emotions and frustration, and has a detrimental impact on group or organizational outcomes.  Relationship conflict interferes with task related effort because members focus on reducing threats, increasing power and attempting to build cohesion rather than working on tasks.  The conflict causes members to be negative, irritable, suspicious and resentful.

Thus, substantive conflicts occur when group members argue over alternatives related to the group's task, whereas affective conflicts result over interpersonal clashes not directly related to achieving the group's function. 

Both substantive and affective conflicts are negatively related to team member satisfaction.  Additionally, substantive and affective conflicts are negatively related to team performance.  It is important to note that 20% of the studies used showed a positive correlation between substantive conflict and task performance.  These relationships show the severe negative impact that conflict can have on groups, and illustrate the importance of conflict management.