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cumNG(U)LIMITED,BUSUKUMA SUBCOUNTY,WAKISODISTRICT
By
NANDAWULA SAMALIE
BHR/ 20071 / 82 / DU
JANUARY 2012
DECLARATION
This research is my original work and has not been presented by any one for
a degree or any other award in any other university
Nandawula .Samalie
:~;:~~ :
... .......................... .
ii
A dedication to my father Mr. lukanga Augustine and Mr. Hans who have
been always there for me during compilation of this report and for their
contributions , I also give glory to God for giving me wisdom and
understanding the course study .
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A gratitude to Loving mother ,my late sisters Nabadda Rosemary and Ndagire
Monica that you laid my foundation despite my earlier resistance to your
desire. I unconsciously fulfill their wish that i will teach and touch the young
ones you left to help them get the foundation you gave me.
This guide is dedicated to all those who are committed to reduce and manage
conflict.
iv
The study was about conflict management and employee performance as
perceived employees in Xclusive Cuttings Uganda Limited .
The purpose of this study in this connection sought to investigate the effects
of conflict management on employee performance and to offer a
comprehensive review on the management. By scanning the existing literature
on conflict ,there are still identified gaps within ,this review will thereby serve
as a starting point for analysis in the conflict management research project.
The study was guided by objectives which were, to find the causes, establish
the effects and measures of reducing conflict in organization.
The study was carried out using interview guide and semi-structured
questionnaire to get in-depth inforrnation,taking a sample size of 100
respondents, results were analyzed and presented in frequency tables and
graphs and in content.
The research revealed that emerging themes were, limited resources , poor
communication, competition, interdependence, poor planning and personality
differences .Themes described sources of the conflict as well as helping to
to manage them.
V
The the organizations should make
interventions like identifying common causes of conflicts, addressing issues to
solve them ,this can be done through motivating workers to feel as part of
the organization .
vi
CONTENTS.
DECLARATION ..........................................................................................•.i
APPROVAL...................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION ..............................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT................................................................................iv
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................. vi
TABLE Of CONTENTS............................................................................. 1
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................ 1
1.1Background of the study.................................................................... 1,2
1. 2Statement of the problem.....................................................................3
1.3 Purpose of the Study.................................................................... 3
1.4 Project Objectives of the study...........................................................3
1.5 Research questions..............................................................................3
1.6 Scope of the study...............................................................................4
1.6.1 geographical study.....................................................................4
1.6.2 Content Scope...........................................................................4
1.7Significance of the study...................................................................... 4
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction ...........................................................................................5
2.1Theoretical frame oork .........................................................................5
2.2 Conceptual framework .........................................................................6
2.3 Related review......................................................................................7
2.3.1 causes of conflicts ........................................................8 ,9,10,11
2.3.2 Effects of conflk::ts on employee performance ......... 12,13, 14,15
2.3.3 Measures of conflict management ................................ 16,17,18
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction ......................................................................................... 19
3.1 Research design........... ....................................................................19
3.2 Study population .................................................................................19
3.3 Sample size .........................................................................................19
3.4 Sample techniques ............................................................................ 19
3.5 Sources of data ...................................................................................19
3.5.1 primary data .............................................................................19
3.5.2 Secondary data .........................................................................20
3.6 Data collection instrument .................................................................20
3.6.1 interview ...................................................................................20
3.6.2 Questionnaire ...........................................................................20
3.7 Data analysis and findings ...................................................................20
3.8 Data Reliability and Validity of the Instruments ................................. 20
3.9 Research Procedure ...............................................................................21
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSES, PRESENTATION ,INTERPRETATION AND
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.0 Introduction .......................................................................................22
4.1 The causes of conflicts in organization .......................................22,23
4.2 Effects of conflict on employee performance in organization ......24,25
4.3 The measures of reducing conflicts in organization ..................26,27
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSIONS OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction .........................................................................................28
5.1 Discussion ........................................................................................28
5.1.1 The causes of conflicts in organization ........................................... 28
REFERENCIES ........................................................................................ 34
APPENDIXS.............................................................................................35
Appendix I : Research questionnaire......................................................36
Appendix II: Interview guide..................................................................37
Appendix III: Budget................................................................................38
Appendix N: Proposed Time Frame........................................................39
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Chapter contains the background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose,
objectives, research questions, scope and significance .
Conflicts are a universal and normal phenomenon in social life (Dahrendorf 1979). ,
They occur but they are managed by family members, friends and relatives. The same
case applies to organizations, when conflicts arise, it needs to be resolved by
management for the sake of the organizational growth, survival and enhance
performance. (Barker et al., 1987). As a consequence, employees and their employers
can not have mutual support without any conflict, and conflict being inevitable part of
organizational life since the goals of different stakeholders such as managers and staff
are often incompatible (Jones et al, 2000), this is particularly true of work groups
because they are generally expediently assembled collections of individuals with
I
different backgrounds, perceptions, attitudes, and values.
Loomis and Loomis (1965) argue that Conflict is an ever-present process in human
relations. That is why various organizations have changed approaches to enable them
to manage their organizations effectively to avoid conflicts at all costs. Conflict is a fact
of life in any organizations as longer as people compete for jobs, resources, power,
recognition and security. Rain, J.S., Lane, I.M. & Steiner, D.D. (1991)
1
Conflict management involves implementing strategies to limit the negative aspects
and to increase the positive aspects of conflict at a level equal to or higher than where
it is taking place. Furthermore, the aim of conflict management is to enhance learning
and group outcomes .(Farace, Monge, & Russel, 1997).
De Church & Marks( 2001) defined conflict management as the practice of identifying
and handling conflict in a sensible, fair, and efficient manner. It requires such skills as
effective communicating, problem solving, and negotiating with a focus on interests.
Crohan (1992) defined conflict management as a key skill for all successful long-term
relationships. It may well be that the key skill in all long-term committed relationships is
conflict management--certainly the data on marriages suggests this is true. The
presence of conflict does not determine the quality of a marriage; rather, how the
couple handles conflict situations determines the quality of the relationship. Even beliefs
about conflict are more important to marital, happiness than whether or not the two
partners actually agree with one another.
Employee performance ,It is about how the workers can be able to achieve
organizational objectives basing on agreed measures, skills, competency requirements,
when there is a direct and quantifiable links between customer service variables such as
satisfaction , loyalty and employee variables like enthusiasm, commitment, capability,
and internal service quality to deliver results and to create a high performance
workforce, Frederick Reichheld's ( 1996) and James Heskett,
2
statement of the problem
The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between conflict
management and employee performance.
Research objectives
2. What are the effects of conflicts to both organization and it's employees?
3
1.6 Scope of the study
The study will be carried out at Xclusive Cuttings Uganda limited in Busukuma sub
country, wakiso district.
• Help the employers to achieve their set goals and objectives through trying
• The future researchers will use this work as a reference and a guide to their
study.
• The community will use the findings collected as a source of motivation
to other persons in appreciating the need for conflict management.
4
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
The chapter focuses on theoretical , conceptual frame work, and review of related
literature put up by different Authors .
Abraham Maslow (1908-1970), suggests that the needs underlie, many deep-rooted
and intractable conflicts. There is relationship between requirements, arranged
according to their importance for survival and their power to motivate the individual to
make them perform well. He says when social conflicts are caused by the denial of one
or more of the essential needs, the victims will fight indefinitely for their achievement
and will not give up until that goal is attained this applies to employees in organization.
Key findings is that there is a direct link between organizational performance and
employee satisfaction this will lead to good performance. Once these basic needs are
satisfied, humans are then motivated to satisfy higher-level needs for safety, love,
esteem, and self-actualization.
Chris Argyris (1923) argued that an over emphasis on control by managers encourage
workers to become passive , dependent and to shirk responsibility. As a result, workers
will become frustrated and dissatisfied with the workplace this lead to cause of conflicts
and employees will engage in behaviors that hamper the achievement of organizational
goals. Organizations that emphasize control are, in actuality, treating individuals as if
they were immature this will affect performance. Mary Parker Follett (1868-1933)
hypothesized that conflict is neither good nor bad and managers could resolve it by,
one side giving in, compromise, or integration.
5
Conceptual frame work
(IV) { DV)
types of conflicts
-Task conflicts.
-inter-organizational conflicts
-interpersonal conflict
Effects of conflict
Causes of conflicts
- builds cooperation
- poor planning
- helps individuals develop conflict
- poor communication resolution skills
- limited resources - improves quality decision making
- personality differences - innovation and productivity
-interdependence - interferes with organization
operation
- competition
- leads to lack of cooperation
- wasting of resources
- low production
Measures to manage
conflict-Open
communication
Organizational
- Compromise
performance
- Collaboration
- Avoidance
- Negotiation
- Accommodation
-provide resources
6
Organizational Performance looks at the influence of the organization's norms, values,
and beliefs its culture on people and their performance, identifying cultural "levers"
available to organization leaders. (Jerome E. Singer and Daniel Druckman).
Happy employees are the key to an organization's success, when conflicts are
managed properly with good communication and the job satisfies needs, employees
may bring greater commitment to the job. (Peter F. Drucker)
Employee performance will be affected If what the firm provides is seen by the
employees as much poorer than what other firms in the area provide, dissatisfactions
will result. total limited resources, poor planning , disregard for employee complaints
(personnel practices) can lead to selrious problems for the firm. ( Meir Liraz 2007 &
2008).
In organizations there are different groups of people working, this points to the paucity
of information relevant to this study and reveals many studies showing that conflict
arises because of misinformation , poor planning, and the relationship between conflict
and employee performance is impossible to rival or even approach the capabilities and
skills of employees if conflicts is not handled effectively. Diane Booker (2007).
The research clearly shows that effects of conflicts in the workplace are often wide
reaching and consuming , employees routinely do their jobs but due to varied impacts
of conflicts related to workplace further they can be beneficial or destructive and
damaging. organizations are often effected with employee leave requests as a result,
excessive absenteeism abounds and negatively affects the overall productivity (John
Wiley and Sons,1997). It also promotes team members' ability and perceptions about
decision-making effectiveness (Simons & Peterson 2000). Effective leaders must
differentiate between conflict that will boost productivity and build stronger teams and
7
conflict that will decrease output and hinder teamwork. Clearly, managers must resolve
conflict and channel it into positive competition and collaboration. Melissa McDowell
and Kim Coleman (2007).
Poor communication, it is normally between managers and employers , This can result
due to failure to communicate with others. For example, a manager reassigned an
employee's task to the employee's co-worker but failed to communicate the
reassignment to the employee. This may cause the employee to feel slighted, which can
transform into animosity among the two employees and the manager, this may cause
employees to make incorrect assumptions and believe workplace gossip. Leading to
decrease in productivity and employee morale. Kim Harrison (2008)
8
Difference in Personalities , A difference in personalities among employees is another
cause of workplace conflict. Employees come from different backgrounds and
experiences, which play a role in shaping their personalities. When employees fail to
understand or accept the differences in each other's personalities, problems arise in the
workplace. Turner and Weed (1983).
Poor planning this can be related to structural design it arises from structures of
organization . A structural factor could be an actual or perceive in equity in the
distribution of material and non material advantages and rewards class status and
power differentials are driving forces of conflicts. Deutsch (1991).
Limited resources, time, money, space, materials, supplies, and equipment are all
valuable resource, competition for any of these resources will inevitably lead to
interpersonal and interdepartmental conflict. Mary Rau-Foster (2003)
Conflict of interest, individuals may fight for their personal goals and lose sight of
organizational goals. Each individual needs to know how his or her personal goals and
efforts fit within the organizational goals and efforts. Fisher D. (2000).
9
Personality differences, people's personalities are abrasive and their pattern of
acceptability is different these may include, disagreement on overall objectives and
on style (how to get things done), reflection on non-work related issues (like.
family), disagreement over control. when employees fail to accept the differences,
co-workers may insult each other's character and experiences. When insults occur,
the conflict intensifies until the right solution is offered and accepted.( (Robinson).
Stress is a huge motivator of conflict, for example every employee has a breaking
point, and will reach his or her breaking point at some time or another. On a good
day, employees can let issues and differences roll off their backs. However, as stress
from home and work deadlines collide, often tempers will flare. "When increased
stress levels are combined with time pressures, good people reach the limits of
composure and civil behavior," (Anna Maravelas) .
Different work methods, employees often have the same goal but different
approaches for achieving it. Neither employee's approach may be incorrect, nor may
one approach be less productive than the other may. (Hastings ) he notes, the
ownership of the approach, or idea, is what gives each employee pride. When
approaches collide, a simple step toward resolution is for managers to encourage
employees to develop more fully their approaches.
10
Unclear definition of responsibility there will be numerous occasions for conflict to arise
over decisions made or actions taken in disputed territory since sub-units are not
properly coordinated and integrated . For example within an organization, sub-units if
they are made irresponsible for different or specialized tasks, this creates separation
and introduces differentiation or ambiguous jurisdiction, which occurs when two
individuals have responsibilities which are interdependent but no boundaries ( fiiley
1975)
Unresolved prior conflicts which remain unsettled over time create anxiety and stress,
which can further intensify existing conflicts. A manager's most important function is to
avoid potential harmful results of conflict by regulating and directing it into areas
beneficial for the organization. workers are depending on to do their activities is not
cooperative yet they have to follow him or her. Kirchoff and Adams (1982),
11
2.3.2 Effects of conflicts on employee performance in organizations.
Organizational life. S. Robbins ( 1978) has actually argued that functional levels of
conflict are conducive to innovation and higher quality decisions. K. W. Thomas ( 1976)
notes that "social scientists are coming to realize and to demonstrate that conflict itself
is no evil, but rather a phenomenon which can have constructive or destructive effects
depending on its management."
Stimulation of new facts or resolutions. When two parties who respect each other face
a conflict situation, the conflict resolution process may help in clarifying the facts and
stimulating a search for mutually acceptable solutions, this helps in building
cooperation. ( Filley, 1975)
The emergency of creative ideas for example management coming up with views of
consulting negotiators with necessary skills to resolve conflicts,, arbitrators with decision
making power and workforce as individuals will be valued for their ability to act and
communicate with knowledge within a specific subject area. They will often advance the
overall understanding of that subject through focused analysis, design and or
development and to easily solve problems requires a combination of convergent,
divergent, and creative thinking (Reinhardt et al., 2011).
Formulation of new policies procedures and services, this may be formulated and put in
place to make easy communication channels open and information will be shared.
Bechtel!, Michele (1995).
12
High rate of damages to the organization , a lot of property is damaged during conflicts
which may result into strikes in which employee engage in practices like theft ,
intention destruction, which are totally destructive to the company as well as affecting
its performance ( Bell & vicki,2003).
Fragmentation, conflict creates rival factions. Sometimes those factions are individuals,
sometimes they are groups. Unresolved conflict can create tension between groups that
may normally need to work together. Such rivalries can make progress within the
company difficult.
Lack of new Ideas, groups in conflict tend not to collaborate on new ideas. When
conflict goes unresolved it can be difficult to create new ideas the company needs to
solve problems it is facing.
13
Quality of work, If a conflict is allowed to go on long enough, the parties involved may
begin to show more interest in the conflict than in doing their jobs properly. Product
quality can suffer, and in some cases the safety of the employees can be in jeopardy as
well.
Deadlines, in some companies, deadlines are very important. Groups in conflict may
start to push deadline limits as the conflict becomes more important than reaching their
deadlines. When both sides think they are right and the conflict is not brought in check
by management, the idea that each side must think they are right before they can
move on will begin to affect important deadlines. (Stephen P. Robbins).
Interferences with reasoned problem solving this may lead to delays in organization
achievement of the set goals and objectives because of the interruptions in solving
what is necessary to lead to achievement of the set goals.
Increased hostility and misperceptions it may arise through conflicts over race, religion,
language and identity becoming complex that they are more difficult to resolve or
manage.
Employee turnover this is very common in areas with non stop conflicts, employees loss
working morale, end result they look for other places with the conducive working
environment.( De Bono, E. 1985).
14
Development of a sense of solidarity among members of groups engaged in conflict and
the responsibility to help employee develop their skills to participate on and lead teams
will be considered. For example task conflict can prove to be productive and augments
the team performance and it tends to come up with better decisions.( Jehn 1994).
Physical and psychological injury for example conflict may be misunderstood and
unappreciated, research shows that unresolved conflict can lead to aggression in the
organization resulting intQ injuries and emotional exhaustion this will include lose of
temper.
Necessary social changes and attainment of just society , for example fair wages among
medical staff, management will also provide the motivation to use different skills in
order for groups to function effectively.
John Paul Lederach (1990), says that "Conflicts happen for a reason," they would say.
"Is this resolution idea just another way to cover up the changes that are really
needed?" my own experience. My purpose is to add a voice to the ongoing discussion
and search for greater understanding and clarity in human relationships, therefore In
organizations where members participate in decision making, disputes are usually minor
and not acute as the closeness of members moderates belligerent and assertive
behavior into minor disagreements, which minimizes the likelihood of major fights.
15
2.3.3 Measures of reducing conflict in organization
Effective management of conflict would be the recognition of conflict and its sources
from the viewpoints of employees and then understanding how to moderate and control
them according to those viewpoints, Once the conflict and its source are identified,
addressing the conflict would be instrumental in enhancing professional development
and reducing the burnout rate among them. (Rahim, 2002)
Increase knowledge, awareness and training are a first step in managing conflict. Once
management and staff are knowledgeable about conflict then they are more able to
choose the appropriate resolution or management strategies ( chandan, 1994).
Goal structure, goals should be clearly defined and the role and contribution of each
unit towards the organizational goal must be clearly defined. All units and the
individuals in these units must be aware of the importance of their role and such
importance must be fully recognized. (Maravelas, Anna 2005)
According to Tosi, Rizzo and Carroll, (1986.) Trust and communication, help in
managing conflicts for example ,having trust among members of the organization, is
more honest and open form of communication Individuals and units should be
encouraged to communicate openly with each others problems and help each other
when necessary.
16
Coordination, this is the next step to communication. proper coordinated activities
reduce conflict. this will ensure that roles are clearly articulated and that individuals are
aware of what they are supposed to do. this will ensure that conflict is detected and
managed early in time
Alternation, according to (Robbins 1974 ) this can be done in two ways - altering the
human variable and altering the structural variables. Altering the human variable
involves using behavioral change techniques such as human relations training to alter
attitudes and behaviors that cause conflict. Altering the structural variable may involve
changing the formal organization structure and interaction patterns of conflicting parties
through job redesign, transfers and creation of coordinating position.
Super - coordinated goal this involves creating a shared goal that cannot be attained
without cooperation of each of the conflicting parties, this helps to manage conflict at
work.
Establish standard procedures for resolving conflicts with training, managers can learn
how to act as arbitrators or mediators. in some organizations they use peer mediation
or conflict management committees. Manager's role conflict resolution requires a
delicate balance. if an organization has standard procedures then employees will be
more receptive to having their conflicts resolved. (McGraw-Hill, 1994).
17
Expansion of resources ,if conflict is caused by the scarcity of resources such as money
or promotion opportunities, expansion of the resources creates a win-win situation .this
may only be possible where resources are available and organizational practices when
improved. Tosi, Rizzo and Carroll,( 1986).
Separation, if interaction increases the depth of sentiments, separation could cool them.
This strategy can work if interdependence is not necessary because of the task. if it is
necessary ,then interaction will have to be managed by either coordinating device or
rules and regulations.
Policies and procedures, Policies and procedures and rules should be put in place and
the communication channels must be kept open so that each person knows what to do,
what role he or she has to play in the hierarchical structure. This helps to avoid
situations in which none of the parties does a job for the other. if each subordinate is
aware of his responsibility ,then it will be rear for problems to occur.
Authoritative command ( forcing ) ,this is where the management uses its formal
authority to resolve the conflict then communicates its desires to the parties involved (
Robbins 1974 ) it acts as the last resort method ,management employs after all other
measures have failed. it is usually not recommended because the conflict is silenced
and does not go away it may re-emerge with greater consequences .this normally ends
up will one party as a winner.
A key advantage to this measures lies in its capacity to think about multiple avenues of
response , this help builds on and integrates the contribution and strengths of conflict-
resolution approaches as well as the potential for broader constructive and desired
change.
18
CHAPTHER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter will show the research design , source of data , methods of data collection,
data presentation and analysis of the findings and limitations to the study.
The researcher used descriptive research design to collect and analyze data so as to
explore relationships between two variables: conflict management and employee
performance.
A sample size of 100 will be selected from target population (workers and managers of
workers) to help collect information about the study.
19
3.5.2 Secondary data
The fact that is secondary data is also important ,internal sources were used such as
records or recorded reports like in personal files, computer data presentations
concerning the subject matter of the study.
The study will employ both the questionnaires and interviews as the research
instruments .
3.6.1 Interview
The researcher used the interview method to gather data from different respondents ,
oral interviews guide was used to assemble the real facts about the causes of conflict
using clear and simple language so as to induce confidence in them.
3.6.2 Questionnaires,
The researcher used frequencies tables and descriptive essays to present the findings
while analysis was done by use of Tables, graphs and content explanation.
20
3.8 Data Reliability and Validity of the Instruments
The above measures were tested using a structured questions in order to obtain
different perceptions of respondents, information obtained for test-retest reliability was
evaluated with information from the employees selected from the sample. The research
instrument was administered on two separate times to the employees, from this
employees had with the test-retest mean interval of 20 days to be able to get results of
the causes ,effects and measures to reduce conflict.
The researcher got an introductory letter from the Dean school of business and
management to take to Xclusive cuttings Uganda limited for permission to carry out
research in the organization.
21
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSES, PRESENTATION ,INTERPREtATION AND
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS.
4.0 Introduction.
This chapter analyses data collected from the field based on the research questions in
chapter one. It deals with data presentations, interpretations and it is done objective by
objective.
The respondents were asked questions on objective 1 and their responses are shown
in table 1 below.
Poor planning 12 14
Lack of communication 9 11
Limited resources 25 29
Personality differences 8 9
Interdependence 16 19
Competition 15 18
Total 85 100
22
·om the findings in the table 1 above, the respondents said that the causes of organization
mflict are limited resource and interdependence, which accounts for 29 % and 19%,
ispectively, employees compete in organization because of limited resources, poor
Jmmunication, personality differences ,competition takes 18%, for example among the
mployees it might take place in the form of promotion, financial, manpower equipments and
1formation resource. It also reflects that managers do not formulate plans properly (poor planning
iking 14%) either plans are in place or they are not interpreted and communicated to employees
ffectively and poor implementation leading to conflicts. This showed that the major cause of
onflict was limited resources in the organization as seen by 29% response. The data in table
.1. can be illustrated on graph as shown in figure 1.
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Causes of conflicts
23
Jrther more the respondents were interviewed about causes of conflicts and the responses were
; follows;
9% of the respondents said that limited resources lead to cause of conflicts , while 19% said
1terdependence, 11% lack of communication, 18% competition,9% performance criteria , 14%
oor planning and 9% said personality differences. This showed that limited resources in the
rganization takes a higher rate as seen by 29% response .
Total 85 100
24
:rom the findings in table 2 , research clearly shows that conflicts have both positive and negative
ffects to the both employees and organization. 20% of respondents said that it builds cooperation
mong the employees, 6% said it encourages organizational innovativeness and improves quality
lecisions in resolving conflicts which accounts for 16% . Therefore, it's the duty of the
nanagement and employees to develop ways on how to promote cohesiveness in organizations
ind if possible conflicts should be resolved at their infancy stage to enhance organizational
ierformance .
·he data in table 4.2. can be illustrated on graph as shown in figure 2.
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Effects of conflicts
25
urther more the respondents were interviewed about the effects of conflict and the responses
,ere as follows;
8% of the respondents said that conflict interferes with organization operations, 13% said it leads
:> wasting of resources ,11 % lack of cohesion,4% said it brings low cooperation and
:-iisunderstandings, while 5% of the respondents said it leads low production in the organization.
=rom the findings in the table 3 above, 26% of the respondents said that compromise approach is
Jne of the measures of reducing conflict in organization, while mediation takes 16% , collaboration
l1 % , open communication 18% , 9% Negotiation , 11 % accommodating .This showed that the
Tiost effective measure of reducing conflict is compromise as seen by 26% response .
26
igure 3 : The measures of reducing conflict in an organization
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=urther more the respondents were interviewed about the measures of reducing conflicts in
Jrganization and the responses were as follows;
16% of the respondents said that mediation approach will help to reduce on conflict, 26% said
compromising can bring quick results when time is a consideration for an action, while 11% said
accommodating can also be detrimental to team efforts within the organization , 18% said open
communication will help bring a feeling of to employees and being consulted. , interestingly 11%
said collaboration can help reinforce mutual trust and respect and to builds a foundation for similar
solutions in the future, were the most effective measures of reducing conflict in organization.
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CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSIONS OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction.
This chapter discusses the findings, conclusion and recommendations that can be
adopted and implemented to manage conflict .
5.1 Discussion.
The discussion of the findings was done objective by objective.
Basing on the research objective 1,according to the findings ,it was revealed that there
were many causes of conflicts they are lack of communication, poor planning , personal
differences and Limited resources,interdependence and competition. According to (Mary
Rau,Foster. 2004),she says cconflict is increased when there is sharing of resources
especially manpower, money,materials,equipment and space required among
departments. Collier, Paul (2003) emphasized that conflict also has a severe effect on
human health ,this results in strife among coworkers and people are affected by the
period for which their misunderstandings lasts. Thus the major causes of conflict in the
Xclusive cuttings Uganda were interdependence , competition and limited resources as
seen by 29% response.
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Conflict is seen as a productive force that can stimulate members of the organization to
increase their knowledge and skills and contribute to organizational innovation and
productivity as also as pointed out by (Knippen and Green 1999).
5.2 Conclusion
From the findings in the table 1 above, respondents said that limited resources was the
major cause of conflict, while others said poor planning ,lack of communication,
personality differences, interdependence and competition. Researchers have noted that
competition for limited organizational resources can be a potential source of conflict ,
institutional priorities must be juggled against individual and departmental priorities in
the face of limited time and other resources. Conflict increases when employees work in
very crowded settings, their interactions with colleagues and patients increase and
potentially lead to stress, exhaustion and high labour turnover . Pugliesi K. (1999).
found that when an organization is facing conflict, employees would react with verbal or
physical aggression such as yelling and hitting , researchers as well found relationship-
destructive reactions such as criticism, faulting, humiliation, defensiveness and job
resignation in conflict situations.
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According to the findings in the above table 2 it was revealed that organizations are
adversely affected positively and negatively by conflicts these are it interferes with
organization operations and low production as the major effects , conflict help build
cooperation, improve decision making , develop skills , it leads to no cohesion, brings
lack of cooperation and leads to wastage of resources as expressed by the respondents
Researchers say that, multiple roles of the individual can also give rise to conflicts
contend that both directions of conflict - work conflicts disrupting one's personal life
and life conflicts disrupting work affect health .
From the findings in the table 3 above, the respondents said that open communication
is most effective measure of reducing conflict in an organization, while others
mediation , collaboration, avoidance , Negotiation ,accommodating approach are also
good in reducing conflicts. According to Adomi & Anie (2005) and Rode, J. C. (2004).
Similarly argued that identifying the causes of conflicts is necessary this intervention will
help managers to develop appropriate strategies to resolve conflicts as they arise,
However, armed with the techniques and understandings outlined above, managers can
use conflict as a tool and addressing conflict in the workplace is no longer a task to be
avoided. Instead, leaders can embrace conflict as the mark of a productive workplace
environment. Saari, L. M., & Judge, T. A. (2004).
5.3 Recommendations
Basing on the research objectives of the study the researcher made the following
recommendations
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Xclusive cuttings Uganda limited should sensitize their employees on the effects of
conflicts, workshops and constant talks should be done for most of employees are still
illiterate about the concept.
Xclusive cuttings Uganda limited should help facilitate a smooth way to communicate to
their managers for example upward and own ward communication. Open
communication and interpersonal relationship creates a supportive working social
environment this help provide employees with a chance to interact with one another
and breaks the divisions and hierarchy (centralized organization structure) that
discourages the formation of work groups. Conversely, the group cohesion created by
work group's results into less conflicts.
Xclusive cuttings Uganda limited should stay competent , they need to set up new
strategies of conflict management ,through this ,firms are in better position to have
best employee performers, for example Managers should develop diverse but
appropriate strategies to resolve and manage conflicts as they arise before escalating to
unmanageable level.
Xclusive cuttings Uganda limited should to cooperate in jointly reviewing and evaluating
proposals of their company , if necessary also involve in consulting other concerned
agencies.
Xclusive cuttings Uganda limited should plan to implement the new system ,in order to
carry out their operations swiftly for example making time interventions carefully such
as identifying causes of conflicts . for example early intervention is critical to prevent
conflicts, tools are available to prevent conflict from becoming violent or to keep
extinguished conflicts from reigniting. Yet early intervention requires resources,
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especially political will, and experience shows it is offeh difficult to mobilize a national or
international constituency before a conflict escalates irito crisis.
Employers of Xclusive cuttings Uganda limited should set aside political and
bureaucratic obstacles and forecast on developing employees to help improve
employee performance through use of measures to reduction of conflicts which may
lead to poor performance.
Time consuming; a lot of time was wasted for example when using non reaction
measures checking in past records.
Inadequate information ,some employees could not answer fully the questions asked ,
so important information was missed.
Financial problem , due to frequent movement and high transport costs and buying
materials to be used during the research .
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REFERENCIES
Adomi, E.E. and S.O. Anie, 2005. Conflict management in Nigerian University
Abraham Maslow, H. Motivation and Personality. 2nd ed. New York: Harper and Row,
1970.
Amason, A.C., 1996. Distinguishing the effects of functional and dysfunctional conflict
Alper, S., Tjosvold, D., & Law, K. S. (2000) Conflict management, efficacy, and
Boulding, K.E., 1962. Conflict and Defense a General Theory. Harper Torchbooks,
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Behfar, K. J., Peterson, R. S., Mannis, E. A., & Trochim, W. M. K. (2008). The critical
Chris Argyris, Personality and Organization (New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1957),
Douglas McGregor, The Human Side of Enterprise (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1960).
Filley, A.C. 1975. Interpersonal Conflict Resolution. Glenview IL: Scott, Foresman.
Ivancevich, J.M., Szilagyi, A.D., Jr., & Wallace, M.J., Jr. 1977. Organizational Behavior
Kirchoff, N., & Adams, J.R. 1982. Conflict Management for Project Managers.
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APPENDIX I
RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear respondent;
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What position do you hold in the company?
(b) Operational
(c) Managerial
7. For how long have you worked with Xclusive Cuttings Uganda Limited?
(a) Less than year ~'- - ~ (c)S-10 years and a~,__ _ __,
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Appendix II: INTERVIEW GUIDE
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APPENDIX III: BUDGET
Typing 30,000
Printing 18,000
Binding 1500
Transport 70,000
Miscellaneous 80,000
Total 224500
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APPENDIX IV: Proposed Time Frame
Time schedule or frame
January 2012
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