CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

ABSTRACT

Conflict is a natural phenomenon in most organizations as long as human relationships are involved. As such the existence of conflict has become an issue of concern in Seven-Up Bottling Company, Nigeria Limited, Benin City, Edo state as a result of employees’ welfare. The resulting effect has not only affected the employees but also the organization as a whole. This study examined the Effect of Conflict Management on the Performance of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Nigeria Limited, Benin City, Edo state. The study adopts survey design and is cross sectional in nature. The population of the study consists of 204 staff of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Nigeria Limited, Benin City, Edo state. Multiple regression was utilized in analyzing the data. The study found that collaboration strategy and avoidance strategy have positive significant effect on the performance of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Nigeria Limited, Benin City, Edo state, while compromise strategy has a negative significant effect on the performance of the organization. The study concluded that there is no one best strategy in managing conflict as the management of conflict depends on the behavioral intentions of the parties to conflict, the time frame and the situation the organization finds itself. It therefore recommended that management of Seven-Up Bottling Company Nigeria Limited should emphasize the adoption of collaboration and avoidance strategies in order to improve the performance of the organization.