Interpersonal Conflict in the Social Network Film by David Fincher (2010)

Abstract

This study examines the conditions and factors contributing to interpersonal conflict and the conflict management styles demonstrated by Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network (2010). Drawing on Wilmot and Hocker’s (2001) theory of interpersonal conflict, the study employs a qualitative descriptive approach. The data consist of selected dialogues relevant to the development and management of interpersonal conflict between the two characters. Data were collected through documentation and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s (1994) framework of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The analysis identified 12 data instances related to the conditions and factors contributing to interpersonal conflict, categorized as expressed struggle, perceived incompatible goals, perceived scarce resources, and interference. In addition, 11 data instances represented four conflict management styles: avoiding, competition, accommodation, and compromise. The findings illustrate how interpersonal conflict develops through expressed disagreements, incompatible objectives, competition over resources, and interference in the characters’ respective goals. They also demonstrate how different responses to conflict shape the deterioration of Mark and Eduardo’s friendship and business partnership. Overall, the film portrays interpersonal conflict as a developing process influenced by both the circumstances surrounding the disagreement and the strategies used by the characters to respond to it.