Organization Conflict and Industrial Harmony: A Synthesis of Literature

Abstract

Conflict is a form of disagreement between individuals, groups or institutions. Conflict management refers to the long term management of intractable conflict. The objective of this study is to synthesis the relationship between conflict management and industrial harmony. This literature review offers a synthesis of the past and contemporary studies about conflict and types of conflict. Factors that influence the existence of such disagreements and change them into dysfunctional or functional conflicts were explored. Conflict school of thought includes; the human relations school of thought, the traditional school of thought, and international school of thought. Conflict is a cognizance issue, Conflict processes includes; Cognition and personification, potential opposition, intentions, behaviour and outcomes.  The study uses qualitative and descriptive design to deduce its conclusion. The review also identifies conflict sources, management and relationship between factors that trigger, promote or diminish organizational conflict. The study conclude that an understanding about the different types of conflict and the influence of its components on group productivity can allow the management and team leaders to decide how to pursue with conflict handling. It can also help them in making decision about mitigating the occurrence of negative conflict in future, while maximizing on the constructive potential of conflict and also that if conflict is well managed it can bring about industrial harmony and productivity.

Keywords: Organizational Conflicts, management, procedural, Resolution, Negotiation, Industrial Harmony.