EFFECT OF INDUSTRIAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE. (A CASE STUDY OF UNILORIN KWARA STATE)

ABSTRACT This study examines the effect of industrial conflict management on organizational performance, using Unilorin, Kwara State, as a case study. The primary data was gathered through a structured questionnaire distributed among 355 academic and non-academic staff members. The study aimed to identify the common causes of industrial conflicts, assess their impact on productivity and employee morale, and evaluate the effectiveness of various conflict management strategies. Findings revealed that industrial conflicts at Unilorin are primarily driven by disagreements over working conditions, management style, unclear job roles, poor communication, wage disputes, and limited employee involvement in decisionmaking. These factors have significantly disrupted the institution’s organizational harmony, leading to decreased productivity and morale. However, it was also established that effective conflict management strategies such as negotiation, mediation, and collective bargaining play a critical role in mitigating conflicts and improving organizational performance. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to strengthen communication, increase employee involvement in decision-making, provide conflict resolution training, and promote a culture of openness to enhance conflict management practices at Unilorin. Keywords: Industrial Conflict, Conflict Management, Organizational Performance, Unilorin, Employee Morale, Productivity, Negotiation, Mediation, Collective Bargaining, Decision-Making