10.2190/5GMU-RB5K-KMGT-88LX 5GMURB5KKMGT88LX 247 Industrial Relations: The Conflict Assumption Revisited 247 264 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 5GMURB5KKMGT88LX.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=5GMURB5KKMGT88LX 4 This study examined a fundamental assumption underlying the Industrial Relations field in North America, namely that employment reactions are inherently conflictual. In response to a call for reexamination of such assumptions, data were examined from a broadly representative 1991 poll of U.S. workers. Empirical results provided some indication of inherent conflict, but at the same time suggested workers may perceive the level of conflict as low. Analyses aimed at determining whether incentive pay reduces perceived conflict yielded mixed results. The article concludes with implications, limitations, and additional research questions.