speaks to the efficacy of franchise regulation. We are thus
able to provide insights into the interplay between regulatory
and distribution structure-related determinants of serious
manifest conflict incidence and its management (Dant
and Schul 1992). Second, we assess not only the dyadic,
more immediate consequences pursuant to channel partners'
conflict management choices but also the franchise
system-wide, long-term outcomes attendant to such choices.
As we subsequently demonstrate, a single-minded focus on
prevailing in the immediate issue at hand could prove counterproductive
to long-term aspirations involving the wider
channel system. The present study underscores the latter
trade-off and promotes a nuanced understanding of the intricacies
of conflict management. Third, our examination of
actual litigation choices and outcomes gleaned from franchise
disclosure documents (FDDs; formerly known as uniform
franchise offering circulars), public court records, and
multiple franchise industry-specific trade publications minimizes
the well-known survey data-related concerns and
provides rich insights into the evolving dynamics of serious
conflict and its outcomes.