MANAGING CONTEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL CONFLICT IN SELECTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the effective conflict management strategies employed within selected manufacturing industries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Industrial conflict encompasses various expressions of dissatisfaction within the employment relationship, particularly those related to employment contracts that empower employees to negotiate. Conflict management, on the other hand, encompasses various methods and approaches to resolving conflicts within organizations. The implementation of conflict management techniques and programs in organizations has yielded numerous advantages. These benefits include increased productivity, improved self-regulation in conflict scenarios, enhanced interpersonal communication skills, reduced suspension rates, prevention of violence, fewer detentions, and the promotion of respect for diverse perspectives and opinions among individuals in the workplace. This study collected primary data from employees at Best Peacock Paint and Paterson Zochonis (PZ) Nig. Plc in Port Harcourt. Data analysis employed statistical tools such as absolute numbers, tables, and percentages to address research questions and gather personal information from respondents. Hypothesis testing utilized the x2 (Chi-Square) statistical technique. The analysis results revealed that conflict management strategies like collective bargaining, compromise, and accommodation positively contribute to employee performance within manufacturing industries. As a result, this study recommends, among other measures, that employers take proactive steps to manage all forms of industrial conflict to prevent exacerbation. Additionally, employers should avoid allowing unfounded assumptions to interfere with their pursuit of desirable outcomes successfully.