CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND INDUSTRIAL HARMONY IN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRIES IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

The study focused on conflict management strategies and industrial harmony in oil and gas industries in Rivers State. This study therefore examines dimensions of conflict management strategies (collective bargaining and compromise strategies) and measures of industrial harmony (absence of strike and mutual trust). Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. The population was 50 respondents drawn from ten oil and gas companies. The sample size was 50 respondents through purposive technique. Data were generated through the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the data. Findings from the study revealed that collective bargaining strategy has a significant relationship with absence of strike (r=0.641, P<0.05). Also, collective bargaining strategy significant relationship with mutual trust (r=0.615, P>0.05) and compromise strategy (r=0.576, P>0.05) has significant relationship with absence of strike and also on mutual trust (r=0.542, P>0.05). The study concluded that for industrial harmony to be achieved, organizations need to consider collective bargaining strategy and compromise strategies as a tool for harmony in oil and gas companies. It was recommended that management of the oil and gas industries should acquire conflict management skill and apply them appropriately as occasion demand.