an appraisal of the effect of trade conflict on organizational success

This study sought to appraise the efficacy of conflict management in achieving industrial harmony in Etisalat Nig. Ltd. Conflict has been observed to take a dangerous trend in Nigeria thus the urgent need for its proper management and transformation as essential for peace and progress in the workplace. The problem of conflict in organizations has not only persistently led to low productivity in the industries but also in the disruption in the growth and development of the economy as a whole. The major concern of this study was to determine ways of sustaining harmonious industrial relations in the future thereby avoiding disruptive conflicts. The study adopted the survey research design using questionnaires to collect primary data where a total of 320 respondents were randomly selected from the population as the sample size and 300 respondents returned their questionnaires representing 97% response rate. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Hypotheses were tested through chi-square method. The findings revealed that poor conflict management has devastating effects on Industrial Harmony of Etisalat Nigeria. It was also revealed that conflict is associated to performance standard targets. To this end, it was recommended that the standards set by management be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and should have time limit. It was also recommended that management should enhance communication with staff to address issues that can produce conflicts before they break open. And also, the management should disseminate information or give orders clearly by formally instructing employees on the use of written guidelines (e.g. memos, circular etc.) and procedures to prevent communication gap, so that staffs will have a clear understanding and correct interpretation of all information and instructions which in turn lead to industrial Harmony.