Factors Causing Workplace Conflict and its Outcome on Organizations: The Case of Wonji/Shoa Sugar Factory

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable normal part of life that occurs when the things individuals care about appear incompatible. It may arise from a misunderstanding between co-workers or poor communication within a department. No matter the cause, you can deal effectively with conflict in the workplace. Nonetheless, the outcome of poorly managed conflict can take an enormous economic and emotional toll upon an organization and its members. The main objective of the study is to identify the differenttypes, causes and outcomes of workplace conflict in Wonji Sugar Factory. The study employs explanatory research design to investigate the outcomes of workplace conflict on organizational performanceThe primary data was collected using close ended questionnaire. The secondary data was collected using books, articles, journals and other published materials. This study involves 307 sample respondents. The questionnaires were distributed to the sample respondents of Wonji Sugar Factory, which are selected using stratified systematic sampling. The Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results obtained from the analysis shows that Interpersonal and Intergroup conflict are the major types of conflict in the organization.It also reveals that personal factor, communication factor and structural factor as the three major sources of conflict. From the three factors, personal factor is found to be the major source of conflict. With regard to outcomes of conflict, it shows that conflict has an impact on the employees’ physical and mental well-being as well as on their social relationships. Finally, the researcher recommends that to minimize conflicts caused by these different factors,it will be better if the organization improves its activities regarding employees’ relation with colleagues and managementas well as improve the communication system and overall reward system.