Conflict Resolution Strategies

Unresolved conflict is responsible for at least 50% of resignations in the workplace, which negatively affects an organization's reputation and profitability. Although there has been ample research on the link between conflict resolution and leadership, there was limited research on conflict aboard military installations specifically. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore conflict resolution strategies of civilian small business managers who work on a military installation in Southern Arizona. The theory of realistic conflict, or realistic group conflict theory, was used as the conceptual framework for this study. The data collection process involved interviews of managers selected from different civilian small businesses via purposive sampling along with company documents and public information found on the Internet containing conflict resolution processes within the organization. Three themes emerged from the study: effective communication, situational leadership, and organizational culture. This study will help business leaders identify strategies for resolving conflict as well as recognize issues beforehand, which will mitigate conflict before it develops.