Information exchange and collaborative problem-solving roles in organizational conflict resolution

Abstract

It has been established that conflict is inevitable in organisations given the composite nature of the work environment. This study on Information Exchange and Collaborative Problem-Solving Roles in Organizational Conflict Resolution specifically reviewed the import of the exchange of information and collaborative problem-solving in the conflict resolution process. The study employed the use of a structured questionnaire administered through Google form to 180 respondents involving Executives, Management, Union leaders, and other rank officers from Banking & Fintech, Professional Institutes, Manufacturing, MDAs, Telecom, Oil & Gas sectors from southwest Nigeria using a stratified random sampling technique. Two research questions and two hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The two hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance using the T. test table. Data were analysed using charts, tabulations, percentages, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient (PPMC) methods. The outcome of the hypotheses confirmed that there were significant relationships among the exchange of information, collaborative problem-solving, and conflict resolution in the organisation. Essentially the purpose of conflict resolution in the organization is to enhance collaboration, and consensus building, promote inclusiveness of all social partners, and intervene in matters that could instigate conflict.  The exchange of information and collaborative problem-solving proved to be potent instruments for promoting effective conflict resolutions. It is therefore recommended that organizations should adopt the use of these forms of social dialogue in resolving conflicts.