Understanding Workplace Conflict Management: An Exploratory Study of Organizational Actors, Conflicts Types and Conflict Resolution Strategies in Swedish Companies
2026 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Workplace conflict is widely recognized as an important organizational issue, yet limited attention has been paid to the actors involved in conflict management processes. This study addresses the gap by examining key actors in workplace conflict management. Specifically, this study investigates: What are the roles and responsibilities of employees, managers, and HR practitioners in organizational conflict management? How do these actors apply conflict resolution strategies to different conflict types? Adopting a qualitative approach, the study draws on interviews conducted across industries in Sweden. The findings show that managers acted as the first layer of conflict resolution across all conflict types by clarifying structures, seeking relational support, and reallocating employees in severe cases. HR practitioners mainly supported relationship conflicts by ensuring accountability and compliance. Employees most often address task conflicts through sensemaking, de-escalation, and relational support. The study highlights the importance of clear responsibilities, managerial capabilities, and psychologically safe work environments.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2026. , p. 73
Keywords [en]
Organizational conflict, conflict management, organizational actors, conflict resolution strategies, conflict types, managers, HR practitioners, employees, Swedish companies
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-226041ISRN: LIU-IEI-FIL-A--26/05125--SEOAI: oai:DiVA.org:liu-226041DiVA, id: diva2:2083696
Subject / course
Master's Programme in Business Administration – SMIO
Presentation
2026-06-02, Linköping, 09:35 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2026-08-282026-07-022026-08-28Bibliographically approved