Management and Trade Union Strategies for Resolving Conflict at Alusaf Hillside Industry, South Africa

Abstract

This paper investigated the strategies used by both management and trade unions in resolving conflict in industries. The sample of 100 (35 females and 65 males) was drawn from a population of 1201 respondents consisting of employees and management working at Hillside industry in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province of South Africa using a simple random technique.  The observation method was used in conjunction with simple random sampling to collect and solicit the necessary information for this research. In addition to this, the researcher made use of most of the official records and statistics that were made available to the researcher by the management at Hillside Aluminum Industry. Qualitative and quantitative research techniques were used because they were both found to be useful to the researcher. The questionnaire survey was also used in combination with the interview study method for the purposes of reaching a broad spectrum of the respondents. Quantitative data was analyzed using the chi-square test (x2) to generate descriptive statistics showing frequencies and percentages, while the qualitative data was analyzed manually by creating themes to generate results. The rationale for using statistical method, was to develop tests for assessing the level of rejection of a hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed that if managers in organizations involve employees in decision making, positive relationships are enhanced.  Eventually, new approaches of doing things develop. The study recommended that, companies should have a strong policy that prohibits any form of harassment or threatening behavior.  Management and trade unions should take care when an employee exhibits any signs of work-related stress to collaboratively forestall industrial conflict and enhance peace and harmony. Therefore, the need for the establishment of a crisis management team to deal with violent incidents before, during, and after they occur.