Conflict Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in the Health Sector: A Case of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Conflict in an organisation is inevitable and arises as people in the organisation carry out their functions by means of adjustments and compromises among competitive elements in its structure and membership. Substantially, industrial conflicts may be whittled by peculiarity of work environment, such as long working hours, chain of command and compensation schemes. In this regards, health care diversity and conflicts are inherent in the health sector, as such, conflict in interdisciplinary groups are inexorable. Since conflicts are part of organizational life, the way it is handled and managed is instructive. Therefore, Conflict management in an organisation entails an approach and practice of being able to identify and handle conflicts rationally, equitably, and competently. Thus, the paper examines the causes of conflicts that exist in hospitals with emphasis on University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and also highlights the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as tools for conflict management in the health sector with specific reference to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

Keywords: Conflict, Conflict Management, Alternative Dispute Resolution, UATH, Health sector