Background of the Study
Workplace conflict, whether interpersonal, interdepartmental, or between management and staff, is a common occurrence in most organizational settings. Conflict within the workplace can significantly influence employee performance, and its effects can be either positive or negative depending on how it is managed. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), a critical institution in Nigeria's financial market, is not exempt from the challenges posed by workplace conflict. As an institution that requires high levels of collaboration, professionalism, and accountability, workplace conflict at the NSE can hinder its operations, reduce employee morale, and ultimately impact employee performance.
In the NSE, employees operate under high pressure, with multiple tasks to manage within strict deadlines. These working conditions, coupled with diverse personalities and departmental differences, often give rise to conflicts that, if not appropriately managed, can affect the performance of employees. Employees’ ability to perform their roles efficiently may be undermined by the emotional and psychological toll that unresolved conflicts take. Therefore, it is crucial to assess how conflict at the NSE affects employee performance in Taraba State, a location where the organization has an operational presence. This study intends to examine the effects of workplace conflict on employee performance, emphasizing both the negative and potential positive outcomes when conflict is constructively addressed.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the increasing focus on improving employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, workplace conflict remains a persistent issue. In Taraba State, reports indicate that unresolved conflicts between employees and management, as well as interdepartmental differences, contribute to decreased morale and reduced productivity. This study seeks to identify the specific effects of workplace conflict on employee performance and propose strategies to mitigate its impact, enabling the NSE to enhance its overall performance.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the effect of workplace conflict on employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State.
2. To identify the main causes of workplace conflict at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State.
3. To recommend strategies for effectively managing workplace conflict to improve employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State.
Research Questions
1. How does workplace conflict affect employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State?
2. What are the primary causes of workplace conflict at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State?
3. What strategies can be implemented to effectively manage workplace conflict and improve employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State?
Research Hypotheses
Ho1: Workplace conflict does not significantly affect employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State.
Ho2: There is no significant relationship between the causes of workplace conflict and employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State.
Ho3: Strategies to manage workplace conflict do not significantly improve employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on the impact of workplace conflict on employee performance at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Taraba State. Limitations of the study include the difficulty in obtaining comprehensive data due to the sensitive nature of conflicts and the subjective nature of self-reported employee performance.
Definitions of Terms
• Workplace Conflict: Disagreements or clashes between individuals or groups within the workplace that may arise due to differences in values, goals, or work styles.
• Employee Performance: The effectiveness with which an employee carries out the responsibilities and tasks associated with their job.
• Conflict Management: The process of handling, resolving, and preventing workplace conflicts in a manner that is productive and beneficial to the organization and its employees.