THE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN A NIGERIAN MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY (A STUDY OF MTN NIGERIA PLC)

The relationship between organizational objectives, performance, and conflict management has significant implications for the effectiveness and sustainability of organizations. In many organizations, particularly those operating in highly competitive and dynamic environments like Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the alignment of objectives with performance expectations is crucial. However, the pursuit of aggressive organizational goals often leads to heightened performance pressures, which can exacerbate internal conflicts. These conflicts, if not effectively managed, can disrupt operations, lower employee morale, and ultimately hinder the achievement of organizational objectives. Despite the importance of aligning objectives with performance, many organizations struggle to balance these elements in a way that minimizes conflicts. This challenge is particularly pronounced in organizations where objectives are not clearly communicated or where performance targets are perceived as unrealistic or unattainable by employees. In such scenarios, conflicts may arise from discrepancies between management’s expectations and employees' perceptions of their ability to meet those expectations. Additionally, inadequate conflict management strategies can lead to the escalation of disputes, further detracting from organizational performance. The problem is compounded by the fact that in many organizations, there is insufficient attention to the development and implementation of effective conflict management strategies that are tailored to the unique dynamics of the organization. As a result, conflicts often go unresolved or are poorly managed, leading to a cycle of frustration, reduced productivity, and decreased overall performance. This study seeks to address the problem by investigating how the alignment of organizational objectives and performance impacts conflict management within organizations. Specifically, it will explore whether organizations that effectively align their objectives with performance metrics are better equipped to manage conflicts constructively. By doing so, the study aims to provide valuable insights into how organizations can enhance their conflict management practices to support the achievement of their strategic goals.