CONFLICT MANAGEMENT TRAINING AND EMPLOYEES' PERFORMANCE: A STUDY OF NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY (NBC) PLC, ASEJIRE PLANT, OYO STATE

Abstract

In today’s competitive business environment, organizations are increasingly
concerned with the need to manage conflicts effectively in order to enhance employee
performance. This is because when conflicts are not quickly managed and resolved they
invariably negatively affect the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. Conflict
management training therefore, equips employees and managements with the required skills
to address and resolve conflicts constructively. The study therefore examined the impact of
conflict management training on employee performance at the Nigerian Bottling Company
(NBC) PLC, Asejire Plant in Oyo State, South/West, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-
sectional survey technique to generate data from employee and managers to determine the
links between conflict management training and improved employee performance. Sample
sizes of 294 respondents were selected via a Raosoft calculator from a population of 1246
employees. A structured questionnaire was used to generate primary data from the
participants. The data were analysed via multiple regression analysis, to determine the
relationship between conflict management training and employee performance. The results
revealed that well- planned conflict management training programs with a wide range of
training content frequent training programs and innovative training approaches are all likely
to positively improve employee performance and enhance collaboration between
management and employees. The results also show that well-planned management training
programs reduce workplace tension by fostering a conducive and highly productive work
environment. The study concluded that conflict management training is a vital component of
organizational development that can significantly impact employee performance. By
equipping employees with the ability to manage conflicts effectively, organizations can
enhance workplace harmony and improve overall performance. The study recommends that,
organizations should ensure that conflict management training content directly aligns with the
specific needs and challenges of employees, which may trigger conflict.