The role of management in conflict resolution : eliciting themes using chat GPT

Abstract

Workplace conflict is unavoidable in organizations, manifesting as grievances, absenteeism, or resistance (Ackroyd & Thompson, 1999; Saundry & Dix, 2014). It impacts employee wellbeing and productivity (De Dreu, 2008), making effective management crucial. Conflict emerges when interdependent parties have incompatible goals (Cohen, 2010), though it can occasionally be constructive. Cooperation-oriented strategies like positive reframing and empathy aid resolution (Cohen, 2010). Researchers distinguish between underlying conflict and visible disputes (Dix et al., 2009), noting conflict often appears informally through withdrawal. Conflict reshapes organizational social fabric by altering communication patterns (Labianca et al., 1998; Nelson, 1989). It follows predictable relational patterns, suggesting team structure influences both conflict emergence and resolution. Proactive strategies addressing relational dynamics are vital for healthier workplaces (Avgar et al., 2016). Malta's unique context was studied through 41 industry employee interviews using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2023) elicited through Chat GPT Version 4.