Study advocates strategic conflict resolution systems to boost performance

A recent study on corporate conflict management in Ghanaian organisations has called for the adoption of strategic and integrative conflict resolution systems, such as managerial mediation in organisations to address workplace disputes effectively to enhance organisational growth.

The call is based on the research finding that firms implementing modern formal dispute resolution mechanisms tend to achieve higher organisational performance.

The findings from the 2024 study revealed that conflict resolution systems, particularly mediation, significantly enhanced employee productivity, management efficacy and overall organisational success across diverse industries in Ghana.

Conducted by the Managing Director of the Dan Masoud Group of Companies, Dr Salisu Mas-oud Muhammed, the study focused on corporate management in Africa, showing that companies using advanced integrative strategies experience notable improvements in employee satisfaction, productivity and business outcomes.

Conflict Management

The study recommends that companies incorporate comprehensive conflict management training and mediation tools within their performance management systems, suggesting that such initiatives could drive long-term benefits like improved employee engagement, sustained productivity and increased profitability.

Surveying 100 middle and senior management professionals across various sectors, the qualitative research identified a strong correlation between strategic conflict management and organisational performance, with organisations prioritising proactive, communication-focused approaches outperforming those relying on reactive or top-down methods.

“In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, traditional conflict resolution methods often fall short.

Our research shows that strategies involving open communication, employee involvement and technology integration foster a more engaged and productive workforce,” said Dr Muhammed, an expert in organisational development and conflict resolution.

Presenting the findings in a virtual meeting with corporate executive and mediators in Accra, Dr Muhammed noted that companies using communication-based conflict resolution methods considered improved employee satisfaction and reduced turnover. 

Roles

The study revealed that 80 per cent of employees in such organisations felt more committed to their roles, citing open dialogue and decision-making involvement as critical factors.

“Workplace conflict management goes beyond dispute resolution; it’s essential for performance management,” Dr Muhammed explained, adding that “employees are more productive and innovative when their concerns are genuinely acknowledged and addressed.”

Another key finding of the study is the positive impact of technology, particularly artificial intelligence-driven mediation tools, on organisational efficiency. Companies employing tools like Online Dispute Resolution reported quicker and more equitable conflict resolutions.

Dr Muhammed urged organisations to view conflict resolution as a strategic function critical to positive outcomes at every organisational level.