Conflict Management Strategies and Industrial Harmony in the Manufacturing Industry in Kwara State

Abstract

Conflict is an inherent feature of organisational dynamics, particularly in manufacturing firms where close interactions between employees and management frequently give rise to disputes. In Nigeria, such challenges are evident in companies like Lubcon Nigeria Limited, Kwara State. While prior studies have largely emphasised managerial perspectives, employees’ views remain underexplored. This study examines the role of conflict management strategies in enhancing industrial harmony at Lubcon Nigeria Limited. Using a sample of 151 workers drawn from a population of 248 staff, data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed with regression techniques. The findings indicate that collective bargaining and compromise strategies have a moderately positive influence on industrial harmony. The study concludes that effective conflict management significantly promotes harmonious workplace relations and recommends that Lubcon Nigeria Limited strengthen the use of collective bargaining and compromise as strategic tools for sustaining industrial peace and organisational stability.