Project – Conflict Management on Organization Performance. A study of Unilever Nigeria plc, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to analyzed the Conflict management on organization performance with focus on Unilever Nigeria plc, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos state. Being able to effectively respond in the event a conflict is relevant to an organization’s survival. Whether or not an organization is prepared for a potential conflict depends upon senior officials and other personnel operating within the company. The scope of this study covers area such as the basic element and concept of conflict management. The important of adoption of conflict in an organization. The type and process of conflict management and the impact it has in promoting general productivity and effectiveness in organization performance. Data were collected through personal interview conducted and questionnaire administered on the selected study population, the statistical tools used in this study are simple percentage distributed table and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient to test the hypothesis formulated. Finding shows that effectiveness conflict management helps to boost morale and general productivity. It was also discovered that some reason for conflict management team failure include member non-cohesion, absence of shared common purpose, social loafing and unwillingness to cooperate with another.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The most critical incident any organization can face at any point in time is conflict. Conflict does not discriminate based on a company’s size or notoriety, and they can surface when a company least expect it. They come in many form: strikes, layoffs, product recalls or allegation of misconduct, but while some of these may seem small, every conflict has the potential to damage the reputation of a company.

Conflict management is the process used to manage the response and recovery from critical incidents or business interruptions that cannot be adequately handled within the normal scope of business operations conflict management is a relative new field to management, operationally conflict management activities include forecasting potential conflict and planning how to deal with it. Organization should invest time and resources in order to identify potential conflict before they occur; this include identifying the real nature of conflict if any, intervening to minimize damage and also strategy to recover from the conflict. Conflict management often includes strong focus on public image and assure stakeholders that recovery is underway.

Conflict management, in the security field as elsewhere, presents many different aspects depending upon the nature and dimension of the event involved. It always rests upon a philosophical basis, which has to be transformed into a guiding policy. The impact of a conflict is always susceptible of being affected in some way by preparations undertaken to meet and deal with the event, these preparations translates into practical operational terms constitute what is called conflict management.

Fundamentally, conflict management is concerned with minimizing harm and restoring order through the intelligent employment of the appropriate, available resources.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The major issues of interest in this study is to look at the benefit an organization will derive from effective conflict management for enhancing safety for staff and customers and also increasing confidence and moral within the organization.

The problem statement for the study “Conflict management on organization performance” begins with the recognition that conflict is an inevitable part of any organization. However, the way it is managed can significantly affect the overall effectiveness of the organization. Unresolved or poorly managed conflicts can lead to reduced productivity, increased stress among employees, and a negative work environment.

Secondly, the study acknowledges that conflict, if managed effectively, can lead to creative problem solving, improved understanding and better team dynamics. However, many organizations struggle with implementing effective conflict management strategies. This results in a lack of harmony within the team, which can hinder the achievement of organizational goals.

Thirdly, the study identifies a gap in understanding the specific ways in which conflict management affects organizational effectiveness. While there is general agreement that effective conflict management is beneficial, there is less clarity on the specific mechanisms through which these benefits are realized.

Fourthly, the study points out that different organizations may require different conflict management strategies. What works for one organization may not work for another. This lack of a one-size-fits-all solution further complicates the issue.

Fifthly, the study notes that there is a need for empirical research to provide evidence-based recommendations for conflict management. Much of the advice on conflict management is based on anecdotal evidence or personal experience, which may not be universally applicable.

Finally, the problem statement concludes by stating the purpose of the study: to investigate the effect of conflict management on organizational effectiveness, with the aim of providing practical recommendations for organizations. This research will contribute to a better understanding of this issue and help organizations improve their conflict management strategies.

1.3 Purpose Of Study

The purpose of the study is to examine Conflict management on organization performance. The specific objectives are:

1. To identify and analyze the benefits an organization can derive from effective conflict management.
2. To investigate whether conflict management creates conducive environments for organizational performance.
3. To explore and understand the framework upon which conflict management is built.
4. To examine the impact of effective conflict management on employee morale and overall organizational productivity.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the benefits an organization could derive in effective conflict management?
2. Does Conflict management creates conducive environments for organization performance?
3. What are the framework upon which conflict management is built?
4. Does effective conflict management helps to boost employee morale and general productivity (organization performance)?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H1:    Conflict management does not creates conducive environments for organization performance.

H0:    Conflict management create conducive environments for organization performance.

H1:    Effective conflict management does not helps to boost employee morale and general productivity (organization performance).

H0:    Effective conflict management helps to boost employee morale and general productivity (organization performance).

1.6 Scope Of Study

The study examines Conflict management on organization performance. The scope of this study covers areas such as the basic element and concept of conflict management. The importance of adoption of conflict in an organization. The type and process of conflict management and the impact it has in promoting general productivity and effectiveness in organization performances. Hence the study will be delimited Unilever Nigeria plc Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State as a case study.

1.7 Definition Of Terms

Organization: Is a combination of individual effort in pursuit of certain common purpose (John B, Miner 1978).

Objective: Can be defined as a statement of intentions, expectation goals or targets set by management for accomplishment (Adetoye 1998).

Policy: Can be defined as the objectives, the mode of thought and the body of principles underlying the activities of an organisation (Breach 1953).

Conflict: Is a significant business disruption that stimulates extensive new media coverage.

Personality: The unique pattern of attitudes predisposition and behaviour possessed by an individuals (G.A. Cole (2002).

Strategy: Is the determination of the basic long-term goals and objective of an enterprise (Alfred D. Chandler 1962).

Management: Is the art of getting things done through others (Mary Parker Follet).

Project – Conflict Management on Organization Performance. A study of Unilever Nigeria plc, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State