Conflict Resolution and Business Success: A Case Study of H&M Retail

This research proposal and subsequent report focuses on conflict resolution within H&M, a multinational retail clothing firm. The study explores ways to foster business success by addressing workplace conflicts, examining the impact of various conflict-management strategies on employee relations, work satisfaction, and labor productivity. The report includes a literature review that synthesizes existing research, along with discussions of research methods like qualitative and quantitative approaches, including primary and secondary data collection techniques. The report aims to identify effective conflict management strategies, assess the relationship between conflict management principles and work satisfaction, and analyze how conflict management philosophies influence labor productivity. The study also investigates conflict management practices across different countries where H&M operates, with the goal of providing insights into creating a positive and productive work environment. Limitations of the research are also considered.

Research Proposal

ABSTRACT
The report is based on H&M Company which is multinational retail clothing firm and
deals with providing various types of products and services. In this research project, the company
is exploring various ways for make successful business in order to resolve different conflicts that
occurs within an organisation. Different conflicts are creating issues and barriers among
employees and employers in badly manner.

Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................2
TITLE:.............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................1
METHODS......................................................................................................................................4
FINDINGS.......................................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
In every organisation, there are various issues and conflicts are occurs among employees.
This is required for company manager to focus on major issues which create bad impact on
employees mind and problems among different workers. Along with this, it is required for firm
manager to have ability to solve major conflicts which arise within an organisation. Also they
need to take accurate step for resolving various conflicts and disputes problems in better manner.
There are various ways through which company can easily resolve all major conflicts at the
workplace such as listen their employees thoughts and opinions, talk them regarding specific
issue, find solution and so more (Dür, Bernhagen and Marshall, 2015). In H&M, the manager
also responsible for exploring the issues which occurs in the firm so they require to make
business success for avoiding the conflicts in proper manner. The firm also focus on analysing
issues and barriers which create conflicts within workplace as well as their employees. This is
necessary for firm to more focus on conflicts factors which arise within an organisation as this
will help them in analysing the issues related to business functions or operations.
The research project is based on H&M which is multinational clothing retail company
and it is known as fast fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers and children. The company is
operated and regulated in around 62 countries with over 4500 stores. The main purpose of this
report is to include literature review which examines different authors and scholars view
regarding specific research topic. In this, there are various methods are described such as
qualitative and quantitative through which research can collect and gather all accurate data and
information regarding specific topic. Along with this, research methodology included described
and also conduct data analysis for analysing various respondents views and perceptions.
Significance of research – This report is conducted to explore various ways which make
successful business by resolving major conflicts and disputes effectively. The research is based
on determining cooperation and conflict management which is mainly affected by culture and its
working condition (Zattoni, Gnan and Huse, 2015). The main motive of this investigation is to
identify major issues and problems which are faced by company during performance of work.
Through this, the company can easily recognise various factors that can occur while managing
and maintaining business operations.
Aim: “Exploring the ways to make a business firm successful by avoiding the conflicts in it”: A
case study of H&M.

Research Objectives:
 To identify common ways for conflict management’s strategies for an organization.
 To find out the associations between dissimilar conflict-management principles and work
satisfaction
 To deal with the factors between dissimilar conflict-management philosophies and labour
productivity To analyse the conflict management principles followed by organizations in different
countries.
Research Questions:
 What are the common ways for conflict management’s strategies for an organization ?
 How to find out the associations between dissimilar conflict-management principles and
work satisfaction ?
 How to deal with the factors between dissimilar conflict-management philosophies and
labour productivity ?
 How to analyse the conflict management principles followed by organizations in different
countries ?
LITERATURE REVIEW
A literature review is the type of review article. This is the scholar paper which includes
current knowledge and findings on specific topic (Macaulay, 2018). It is considered as one of the
most essential part of this project which help researcher in conducting depth investigation for
developing appropriate research results for specific area of study. It is one of the most essential
pieces of research entity which help in collecting and gathering different assets for completing
specific work.
1. To identify common ways for conflict management’s strategies for an organization
There are various common ways which are related to conflict management strategies of
an organisation that are described as under: Collaborating – The collaborating work by integrating idea and thoughts are set out
multiple people. The main objective is to find out creative solution that are acceptable for
everyone. This is required for company is to manage their conflict strategies by
developing collaboration among their employees.

 Compromising – The compromising strategy mainly refers to both sides of conflicts to
provide the elements of their position in order to establish an acceptable. This strategy
prevails most often conflict in which parties are hold around equivalent power. It is
required for employees to compromise with their colleagues while doing work within an
organisation. This is the main strategy which is used by company manager for managing
all major conflicts and disputes in better manner.
2. To find out the associations between dissimilar conflict-management principles and work
satisfaction
As per the views of Ward (2016) conflicts and disputes are occurs within an organisation
so that company manager require to work on solving main issues or problems in effective
manner. Along with this, there are various ways through which firm can easily overcome with
such issues and problems such as employee retention and developing coordination. It is required
for H&M Company to find out association between dissimilar conflict management principles
and work satisfaction. There are various conflict management principles related to satisfying in
work that are described as follows: Listen actively – Listening is one of the most essential part of communication and
interaction. If employees have ability to listen properly so they can be a part of conflict in
communication in better manner. This will help in resolving major conflicts and disputes
effectively. When an employees does not listen properly their business strategies and
policies so they can not take participation in current decision making procedures in any
manner. If they are listen all the conversation properly so they can easily understand all
policies and motivated towards gaining job satisfaction. Assure fair procedures – The process for resolving disputes and conflicts is often as
critical conflicts itself. It is essential to assure that the resolution techniques and method
select as the process which directly affect on business operations and functions. The
perception of unfairness can lead towards destroy the resolution. In H&M, if employees
can manage conflicts and also follow fair procedure so they can easily satisfied with
their work.
3. To deal with the factors between dissimilar conflict-management philosophies and labour
productivity

There are various factors which directly affect on labour productivity in management of
conflicts which are described as follows: Absenteeism and turnover – According to the Chen, Chang and Lo, (2015) It is the
major factor which directly affect on company time and money lost associated with high
turnover and absenteeism on projects. The H&M company has various areas with lower
manpower and high demand for labour that will usually majorly affects than others.
When company manager replace the work so this will create conflicts among workers as
well as employer so they required managing their work as per their skills and abilities.
This will help in building positive environment and surroundings within an organisation. Hazardous working area – This is required for firm is to make those places for their
labours where they are feel relax and comfortable. This is caused when working in that
area is divided as hazardous, requirement of special safety techniques and methods and
clothing. Restrictions may limit the time and exposure of employees to the location as
resultant in less time on tools in specific area. When company manager positioned their
labour in that area where danger so this will create major conflicts among various
employees of an organisation.
4. To analyse the conflict management principles followed by organizations in different
countries
There are various principles of conflict management which are followed by H&M in
various nations are described as under: Think before reacting – As per the view of Osiyevskyy and Dewald (2015) the tendency
in the conflict and dispute situation is to react immediately. If any person can not react so
they are loose their opportunities. In order to solve conflicts in successful manner so it is
essential to think before giving response which considers the opinion, weigh the
possibilities. The similar type of response is not appropriate for every conflict situation or
condition. H&M required to follow this principle in the different country where they are
facing issue of conflicts because this will help in reducing such type of situations. Accept responsibility –For solving conflicts so this is required for organisation is to
accept the share of responsibility and eliminate the concept of blame in better manner.
H&M company need to maintain and manage their business operations in effective way
so this will reduces the chance of conflicts.

 Use direct communication – If company require to make successful business by
resolving all conflicts and disputes within various countries so they need to use direct
interaction method which make strong relation with their external customers in better
manner (Ward, 2016). H&M require to deliver right message to their customers through
which they can promote their services and facilities in all over the world.
METHODS
There are various types of methods which can be used to collecting and gathering
relevant information that are described as follows:
Qualitative research – It is considered as primary exploratory research which can be
used for measuring and evaluating various opinions and views of scholars. In addition to this,
this will provide researcher insight through which they can develop appropriate idea and concept
in order to reach with desired customers (Jaskiewicz and et. al., 2016). For conducting qualitative
investigation, there are large number of organisation that are adopt unstructured or semi
structured method which involves participation and observation techniques. There are some
methods includes focus group, individual interviews and participation.
Quantitative research – This is the technique and method which can be used for
evaluating or measuring the issues by numerical facts and figures. This will assist investigator in
formulating data into statistical form which are described. The main objective of qualitative
research is to develop and formulate mathematical employ models, theories and hypothesis. This
will help in transforming data and information into statistical technique which is easy to
described by researcher. Therefore, quantitative research using measurable data which has been
develop data and information of different approaches in quantitative research. Qualitative data
collection method and technique includes different forms of survey, online surveys, face to face
interview, online polls and systematic observations.
Primary method – This involved with collecting and gathering fresh data regarding
specific subject which is collected for the first time then this type of research is known as
primary research method. It includes various methods such as interviews, questionnaire,
observation, etc.
Secondary method – It is the research method which involves the use of data that is
already collected and gathered through primary research. This involves different methods such as
books, journals, magazines, publication, etc.

Data sampling – It is the statistical analysis method and technique which is used to
select, manipulate and analyse respective subset of data points which help in identify patterns
and trends in large data that set for further examination.
Limitations – There is high scope for this investigation project, although there are some
common limitations for this. It has been seen that there are various factors occurs while
managing and maintaining business activities and functions. The limitations of the study are
those character of designing and methodology which directly impact and influence the
interpretation of findings of the research aspects. Research is employed to establish or confirm
facts, reaffirm the results or outcomes of previous research work (Wach, Stephan and
Gorgievski, 2016). This will help in solving issues, support company in making decisions and
providing appropriate training sessions to their employees within an organisation. There are
some major key limitations of research which includes lack of training, lack of communication,
lack of confidence, absence of code of conduct and costly publishing that are faced by firm.
FINDINGS
Results
To identify common ways for conflict management’s strategies for an organization
It can be identified that there are various ways through which company can resolve major
conflicts management strategies for an organisation. Such ways which directly recognise
common ways for conflicts management strategies that occurs within the firm. With the help of
this, company can adopt that strategies which help in solving management conflicts in proper
manner. In using collaborating strategy, this will assist employees together in order to perform
their work by understanding unique ideas and thoughts. As per this result, organisation can easily
maintain and develop coordination among staff members through which they can easily get
success and reach with desired goals.
To find out the associations between dissimilar conflict-management principles and work
satisfaction
In this, H&M identify dissimilar conflict management principles and work satisfaction
that can help in satisfying their all workers needs and demand in proper manner. Along with this,
it is find out that association between dissimilar conflict management principles and satisfied
work of their employees. As per this resultant, the firm's employees required to listen actively

which is important part of interaction with each other within an organisation. On the other hand,
the fair procedure assist in resolving major conflicts and disputes that occurs in an enterprise.
With this, employees of H&M can manage and maintain all conflicts so they can easily reach
with set goals and targets.
To deal with the factors between dissimilar conflict-management philosophies and labour
productivity
As per this resultant, company can deal with different factors between dissimilar conflict
management philosophies along with maintaining labour productivity. With this, H&M can
identify different factors that will directly impact labour productivity and management of
organisation conflicts or disputes effectively. Such factors includes absenteeism and turnover of
large number of staff members that are directly affects on company set targets and goals. Also
firm required to focus on danger where they need to make improvement regarding employees
health and safety. So this is required for H&M staff members is to deal with major factors
conflicts that occurs and create bad impact on them.
To analyse the conflict management principles followed by organizations in different
countries
It can be examined that there are different principles of conflict management that should
be followed which help them in lead towards set targets and goals. As per this result, it is
required for company as well as employees is to analyse the conflict management principles
which includes think before reacting, accept responsibility and using direct communication
method. These assist them in taking corrective action before implementing any method or
techniques effectively. Along with this, it can be analysed that company manager accept major
responsibility which help them in handling and managing all staff members in order to get
success and growth.
Discussion
It can be discussed that H&M require to exploring different ways of reducing conflicts
and disputes within an organisation. In this, it is required for company is to manage and maintain
all business operations or its functions effectively. Collaboration is the major ways which assist
in combining ideas and thoughts that are set out multiple people. For resolving main conflicts
management which occurs within an organisation effectively. This will help in dealing with all
employees and also maintain coordination among them in order to reach desired goals and

targets. On the other hand, the company is also using compromising strategy which can be
helpful in solving major conflicts or disputes that arise in an organisation.
It can be analysed that various dissimilar conflict management principles and work
satisfaction which help them in taking position in large market place. This is required for
company manager is to focus on resolving major issues and problems that arise within an
organisation. Along with this, there are different conflicts management principles which are
associated in satisfying all work that includes listen actively and assure fair process or activity. In
this, if company's employees are perform good work so they can easily reach with desired goals
and targets. It is assure that fair procedure assist in resolving main issues and problems that
directly affect on business operations and its functions effectively.
This can be analysed that there are different factors which directly impact on labour
productivity in management of disputes and conflicts in better manner. H&M company required
to make reduction in absenteeism and turnover that is the main reason for occurring conflicts and
disputes within an organisation. It can be seen that when firm manager replace employees due to
not performing well in an enterprise so this will create issues or conflicts in badly way. Along
with this, it can be analysed that there are various dangerous locations where staff members need
to concentrate while doing work or task.
Along with this, it is required for H&M organisation is to follow all principles that are
used for resolving major conflicts management in better manner. This is necessary for company
is to adopt such principles which is beneficial for maintaining balance and manage all employees
behaviour or attitude. Apart from this, the firm manager require to share all roles and
responsibilities which assist in maintaining employees work and performance in better manner.
CONCLUSION
From the above described report, it can be analysed that it is required for company
manager is to focus on major issue which create bad impact on employees mind and it create
problems among different workers. Literature review is considered as one of the most essential
part of this project which help researcher in conducting depth investigation for developing
appropriate research results for specific area of study. It is required for H&M company is to find
out association between dissimilar conflict management principles and work satisfaction. The
H&M company has various areas with lower manpower and high demand for labour tat will
usually majorly affects than others. There are various principles of conflict management which

are followed by an organisation in various nations. There are various types of methods which can
be used to collecting and gathering relevant information which includes qualitative and
quantitative research method.
On the other hand, it can be recommended that H&M required to focus on resolving
major conflicts situations which occurs within an organisation so this will create bad image in
the market place. It can be seen that conflict will occur within one or two parties which find out
the peaceful solution to disagreement among them. When conflict arise, often the best practice of
action and activity is to resolve main issues and problems in better manner. For resolving
conflicts, company can make strong relationship with their employees so this will help them in
retain for long time period. Also this will motivate them to perform work in order to reach with
desired goals and targets. The another way to solve conflicts and disputes within an organisation
is that firm require to listen their workers issues and try to solve them with their best practices
that can help in increasing profitability and income level of the firm.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
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