Influence of Conflict Management Styles on Organizational Performance

Abstract

This study examined the influence of conflict management styles on organizational performance. The general objective of the study was to examine the influence of conflict management styles on organizational performance. The specific objectives included; to determine the influence of avoidance conflict management style on organizational performance at Jumuia Resorts, to establish the influence of accommodating conflict management style on organizational performance at Jumuia Resorts, to determine the influence of competing conflict management style on organizational performance at Jumuia Resorts, and to establish the influence of collaborating conflict management style on organizational performance at Jumuia Resorts. To achieve the study‟s objectives, descriptive survey design was adopted by the researcher. The target population was 116 employees of the organizations at Limuru and Nairobi. Census method was used to collect primary data through structured and semi-structured questionnaires which were pilot-tested in order to identify and modify questions that would not be clearly understood by the respondents. The study received 96 questionnaires, which corresponded to a response rate of 83%. The researcher used SPSS to generate descriptive statistics so as to give an idea where various key values such as mean and standard deviation lied. Descriptive statistics was used to explore and identify patterns of the data. It was also used to describe what the data showed. Presentation of data was done by using frequency distribution tables, pie charts and bar charts for ease of understanding and interpretation. Regression analysis confirmed statistically significant relationships among the variables. Regression analysis results were used to interprete data and to draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoning. The study revealed that accommodating style of conflict management had the highest influence on organizational performance. The study recommended that the management of Jumuia Resorts should take bold step on trainings on conflict management styles to have a better knowledge of managing conflict at an optimal level so as to enhance organizational performance. Efforts should be made by the management to organize seminars for all employees on the styles of conflict management. Based on the findings, the study concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between conflict management styles and organizational performance at the Resorts. Further research should be done to understand various conflict management styles adopted by other firms and their influence on organizational performance