Influence of Conflict Management approach on Organizational Development of Coffee Co-operatives: a case of Machakos Co-operative Union, Kenya.

Abstract

Organizations today are operating in an environment faced by various forms of violent conflicts. Resolving these conflicts pose challenges due to the approach adopted by an organization. The way conflicts are addressed can have adverse effects on organizational development and in achievement of their goals. Over the years, Co-operatives have over the years been caught in such conflicting situations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Conflict management approach on organizational development of coffee cooperatives in Machakos Co-operative Union in Machakos County. The objectives of the study were: to identify the adopted conflict management approach on organizational development in coffee cooperatives; to establish the influence of the contending conflict management approach on organizational development in coffee cooperatives and to determine the effects of yielding conflict management approach on organization development in coffee cooperatives. The research was conducted in Machakos Co-operative Union in the Lower Eastern part of Kenya. Descriptive research survey was used. The target population was drawn from 1500 employees of Machakos Co-operative Union who took part in the study. The sample size was305 employees drawn from different levels of management selected through cluster sampling technique. Systematic sampling was used to give each individual a chance to be chosen. Data collection was carried out through the use of Semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide. Both qualitative and quantitative technique was used to analyze data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics through content analysis and findings were analyzed and presented quantitatively and qualitatively in frequency tables, graphs pie charts and percentage while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic techniques and data presented in narrative forms. From the study, it was established that different conflict management approaches were employed in Machakos Coffee Cooperative, 22% of the respondents reported that accommodation strategy was used and 23% the Collaboration strategy which led to improved productivity in the organization and enhanced inter personal relationswhile54% of the respondents indicated that the contending approach which was mostly used influenced conflict management in the organization. The study recommends that organizations need to embrace the strategy in order to maximize productivity and encourage retention of human resource. It is expected that the results of the study will be impetus to the co-operative sector as a whole, scholars, researchers and government bodies and Conflict management practitioners.