Traditional Conflict Resolution Techniques and Employee Engagement in Selected Manufacturing Companies in Southwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT: The study focused on the impact of traditional conflict resolution techniques on employee engagement in selected manufacturing companies in southwest Nigeria. The research adopted the survey research design. The population from this study consist of 3,137 employees from three manufacturing companies in Lagos, Nigeria, which include Coleman wire & cables with 121 employees, May & Baker Nig. Plc with 331 employees and Nigerian Breweries Plc with 2,685 employees. The sampling technique used in this research is the Convenience Sampling Technique. The sample size of 355 was determined using the Taro Yamane’s Formula. Data was collected and were coded and managed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics such as simple percentages, frequencies were adopted used for demographic variables while hypotheses was tested multiple regression analysis. Findings showed that traditional conflict resolution techniques have a positive and significant effect on employee engagement. Based on the above findings, this study concludes that as conflict is inevitable and part of social life, the traditional conflict resolution technique is better utilised to resolve conflicts among employees and employers in workplace. The study therefore recommended that the government, should formulate laws, by-laws, regulations that can be implemented to increase honesty as the best policy in workers and employee engagement in the business world and the society.