PROACTIVE PERSONALITY AS A MODERATOR OF THE AVOIDING CONFLICT-HANDLING STYLE- PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIP IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Conflict is a routine aspect of organizational life with important implications for
employee performance. This study examines the effect of the avoidance conflict-handling style on
employee performance and investigates the moderating role of proactive personality among staff
in public universities in North-Western Nigeria. Drawing on Dual Concern Theory, data were
collected through a cross-sectional survey and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural
Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that the avoiding conflict-handling style has
a significant influence on performance, while proactive personality not only predicts performance
but also strengthens the relationship between avoidance and performance. These results suggest
that proactive individuals are better positioned to navigate conflict constructively. The study
contributes by integrating personality traits into conflict–performance models and provides
practical guidance for enhancing conflict management and performance improvement in higher
education institutions.