An exploration of the experiences of conflict as perceived by industrial psychologists in the workplace : a qualitative study.
Date
2011
Authors
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore conflict as perceived by Industrial Psychologists in
the workplace. The sample of (N=6) consisted of registered Industrial Psychologists. A
qualitative research approach was used to explore how Industrial Psychologists in the
workplace perceive and experience issues of conflict. A purposive sample was employed.
Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The emerging themes were: (1) the Industrial
Psychologists’ perceptions and reactions to conflict; (2) organisational structure; (3)
organisational management style; (4) the nature and condition of job assignment; (5)
individual characteristics; (6) mutual understanding and interaction; and (7) the
consequences of conflict. The first six themes describe the sources of the conflict as well
as strategies to manage them. The findings of this study reveal that issues such as the
perception of and reaction to conflict, organisational structure, and organisational
management style, the nature and conditions of job assignment, individual characteristics,
and mutual understanding and interaction are important factors contributing to the
occurrence and management of conflict.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.
Keywords
Conflict management., Psychology, Industrial., Theses--Industrial psychology.