The Impact of Conflict Management on the Performance of Employees of Small and Medium Size Enterprises in the Buea Municipality: Case Study of Micro Finance Institutions

Abstract

Conflict management is a reality of our time. There is growing recognition of the importance of conflict management in an organization. A recent survey indicated that, managers spend a considerable portion of their time dealing with conflict and that conflict management becomes increasingly important to their effectiveness. This study investigates the effect of conflict management on the performance of micro finance Institutions in the Buea Municipality. It adopts a descriptive research design. A total of one hundred (100) respondents were selected for the study using simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Hypothesis was tested using multi-linear regression, percentages and analysis of variance of both dependent and independent variables. The findings reveal that conflict management has not increase employee’s performance in micro finance institutions in Buea municipality. It was recommended that, micro finance institutions should embark on seminars in order to orientate employees on conflict management and enforce strict disciplinary rules on workers. There should be efficient and effective communication between and among all categories of employees in micro finance institutions. This will reduce conflicting situations in the organization. Micro Finance Institutions should established management Policies (“resolution Guidelines”) that clearly outline the senior management’s view of business development priorities and the terms and conditions that should be adhered to, in order for conflict to be dissolved.