CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY IN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA TEACHING HOSPITAL (UNTH) ENUGU.

ABSTRACT Conflict is an unavoidable element of human interaction within organizations, particularly in complex institutions such as teaching hospitals where professionals from diverse disciplines collaborate under demanding conditions. This study investigates the relationship between conflict resolution strategies and organizational efficiency at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu. The study aims to determine how conflict arises within the hospital environment, identify the strategies used by management and staff to resolve these conflicts, and evaluate how these strategies influence overall organizational efficiency. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected staff members across different departments within the hospital, including administrative staff, nurses, and medical personnel. The findings indicate that conflicts in UNTH arise from factors such as communication breakdown, role ambiguity, workload pressure, hierarchical authority differences, and limited resources. The study also reveals that effective conflict resolution mechanisms—such as open communication, mediation by management, collaborative problem-solving, and structured grievance procedures—significantly enhance organizational efficiency by promoting teamwork, reducing tension, and improving service delivery. The study concludes that conflict, when properly managed, can contribute positively to organizational growth by encouraging dialogue, innovation, and improved working relationships. However, when poorly managed, it leads to decreased productivity, low morale, and inefficiency in service delivery. The research therefore recommends strengthening institutional conflict resolution policies, leadership training, and communication frameworks within the hospital to enhance organizational performance.