How to Handle Organisational Conflicts: MBA Thesis Analyses Strategies Adopted in Nigeria

29.04.2025

Mojisola Kolawole’s Study Underlines Importance of Mediation, Negotiation and Compromise

The Nigerian food and beverage sector plays a pivotal role in the country's economy, creating jobs and driving food security. However, conflicts between companies and employees, such as strikes, have sometimes disrupted the smooth operation of organisations.

To better understand how to address these issues, Wittenborg graduate Mojisola Kolawole wrote her master’s thesis on ethical conflict resolution strategies within the Nigerian context.

Mojisola, who recently completed an MBA degree in International Management, says that exploring ethical conflict resolution strategies within the industry is essential for enhancing business practices and improving corporate governance. “Strikes are sometimes the response of workers or trade unions to unchanging situations where a breach of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) exists. On the other hand, lockout is usually initiated by employers as employees are not allowed to work in the face of continued disagreement over terms of engagement,” she highlights.

Having opted for a qualitative approach, the graduate designed an open-ended questionnaire and conducted ten interviews with senior management professionals in Human Resources across five different companies in the food and beverage industry in Lagos. The questions addressed topics such as conflict situations, breaches of Collective Bargaining Agreements, how management ensures that conflicts are effectively handled, measures taken to resolve issues that lead to conflicts and how conflict experiences contribute to organisational learning and performance.

“The study finds that breaches of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) are not uncommon in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry. However, practices such as mediation, negotiation, compromise, accommodation and conflict management strategies are commonly adopted by companies that successfully prevent breaches of CBAs. These practices are highly advantageous for businesses, as they help maintain smooth operations and foster a positive organisational atmosphere,” Mojisola underlines.

She comments that her favourite aspect of conducting research was interacting with people and understanding their perspectives, and advises Wittenborg students working on their theses to use broad samples and gain a deep understanding of their assignments.

Now that Mojisola has graduated, she plans to focus on her personal and professional growth. “I aim to pursue further education in my field, travel to new places and build meaningful relationships. Additionally, I want to explore new hobbies and contribute positively to my community.”