Effects of two psychological factors on perceived conflict-handling behaviour of trade union leaders in Nigeria.

Abstract

The study examined the predictive power of two psychological factors: assertiveness and emotional intelligence on perceived conflict-handling behaviour of labour leaders in Lagos State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted and 250 labour leaders were randomly selected from ten (10) industrial unions in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study sample responded to three valid and reliable instruments: emotional intelligence scale, assertiveness scale and conflict-handling behaviour inventory. Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression statistical analysis to investigate predictive power of the independent variables on the criterion variable. The results indicated that the two independent variables when taken together were effective in predicting conflict-handling behaviour of labour leaders. Each of the variables contributed significantly to the prediction of conflict-handling behaviour with emotional intelligence making higher contribution to the prediction. Based on the findings, it was suggested among other things that intervention training programme on the two skills be introduced for labour leaders by the government and that the curriculum of Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies be expanded to include synopsis on the two skills while employers of labour were urged to organize similar training for members of their management who represent the management during negotiation with labour leaders. It is envisaged that by so doing, sustainable industrial peace and harmonious labour-management relations could be achieved in Lagos State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Keywords: Assertiveness Skill, Emotional Intelligence, Conflict-Handling
Behaviour, Labour Leaders.