Work Socialization and Workplace Conflict in Major Oil Companies in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between work socialization and workplace conflict in major oil companies in Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey in its investigation of the variables. Primary data was generated through the self-administered questionnaire. The population for the study was two hundred and fifty-three (253) employees of seven (7) selected manufacturing companies in Port Harcourt. A total of 7 major multinational oil companies were investigated. 35 administrative management staff were sampled using the stratified sampling technique. The spearman correlation statistic was used in testing the hypotheses formulated. The reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring above 0.70. The hypotheses were tested using the Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. The tests were carried out at a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 level of significance. Results from analysis of data revealed that socialization had both significant and negative influence on interpersonal, intrapersonal, inter-group and intra-group conflicts. The study recommends that socialization should be part and parcel of organizational fabric to attain great heights in terms of workforce cooperation which eliminates workplace conflict; and multinational oil companies should develop means to have a well-defined employee-oriented culture as this will boost socio-cultural diversity management within the employees and as such lead to constructive workplace conflict and harmony.