CONFLICT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study investigated how conflict management techniques, specifically communication and negotiation influence organizational performance in public health institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria. A correlational research design was used, and 386 health workers were sampled through stratified random sampling across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, with 320 questionnaires retrieved an analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed a very strong and significant relationship between communication and teamwork (r = 0.998; p < 0.05), as well as a moderate and significant relationship between communication and organizational efficiency (r = 0.529; p < 0.05). The study also found a very strong and significant relationship between negotiation and teamwork (r = 0.954; p < 0.05), alongside a moderate but significant relationship between negotiation and organizational efficiency (r = 0.585; p < 0.05). The study concludes that conflict management techniques are critical to strengthening collaboration, improving service delivery, and enhancing operational outcomes in the public health sector. It recommends strengthening communication systems, institutionalizing negotiation training, promoting participatory decision-making.