Investigating Conflict Management Approaches for Project Success

This dissertation investigates conflict management approaches within construction projects, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by workplace diversity and cultural differences. The research aims to evaluate conflict management strategies used by project managers to ensure project success, using Galliford Try's Residential building construction as a case study. The study explores the impact of conflicts on employee productivity and morale, emphasizing the need for effective conflict resolution. The report includes a literature review covering conflict management concepts, theories, and models within the construction sector. The methodology involves both primary (questionnaires) and secondary data collection. The findings and analysis section presents the challenges faced by Galliford Try in managing conflicts, and the conclusion and recommendations provide strategies for improving conflict management. This research contributes to a better understanding of how project managers can mitigate conflicts and enhance project outcomes in complex construction environments. The report covers research rationale, research methodology, literature review, data and interpretation as this helps the investigator in identifying their truth results. At last this research covers recommendations, conclusion and reflection of investigator.

Dissertation

Abstract
Business environment get very complex especially for construction organisation because
it involves many persons who come from different traditions and culture. Due to this, the
workplace diversity increases day by day which creates conflicts in the organisation. Conflicts
give a great impact on the employee’s productivity and efficiency as it reduced. It also impact on
their morale which negatively affect by conflicts. It becomes very important for every
organisation that they should focus on reducing and resolving conflicts. Increasing in conflicts in
workplace environment, it becomes very complex situation for a construction company that how
they can complete their project effectively and efficiently. This report gives some important
conflict management approaches which helps organisation in order to resolve their problems or
conflicts.

Acknowledgement
Firstly, I would like to thank my teachers who gave me a great opportunity for giving this
project. I also like to thank God which always gives a great support in order to come with
difficult situations. I am feeling very grateful to perform this project as it gives many experiences
and knowledge. It's really helpful for my career future opportunities. With guidance and support
from my teachers I am able to complete this project on time.
In addition to this, I also like to thanks to Galliford Try's Residential building
construction company always ready for supporting me in order to complete this project. They
always give time for gathering information from employees, customers, etc. It is very pleasure
situation for me because they give freedom to ask questions from their clients which help me to
complete my questionnaire. I am really very thankful for all people who give their support and
assistance in order to complete this project.

Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................1
Acknowledgement...........................................................................................................................2
Project title: To investigate conflict management approaches used by project manager to assure
project success.................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 1: INTRODCUTION..........................................................................................................5
1.1 Background to the research........................................................................................................5
1.2 Research question, aims and objectives.....................................................................................6
1.3 Justification of research.............................................................................................................6
1.4 Outline methodology.................................................................................................................7
1.5 Outline of the rest of the dissertation.........................................................................................8
Chapter 1 Summary.........................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................10
2.0 Introduction....................................................................................................................10
2.1 Theme 1-To develop understanding about the concept of conflict management..........10
2.2 Theme 2-To assess theories and models associated with conflict management within
construction sector...............................................................................................................12
2.3 Theme 3-To investigate challenges facing by Galliford Try’s Residential building with
regards to conflict management...........................................................................................15
2.4 Theme 4-To recommend effectual strategies to Galliford Try’s Residential building for
conflict management............................................................................................................17
Summary of the chapter.......................................................................................................21
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY..........................................................................21
3.0 Introduction....................................................................................................................21
3.1 Research Paradigm.........................................................................................................22
3.2 Research Philosophy......................................................................................................22
3.3 Research Approach........................................................................................................22
3.4 Research Design.............................................................................................................23
3.5 Data collection and analysis...........................................................................................23
3.5.1 Sampling.....................................................................................................................23

3.5.2 Primary data collection...............................................................................................24
3.5.3 Secondary data collection...........................................................................................24
3.6 Analysis of data..............................................................................................................25
3.7 Research ethics...............................................................................................................26
3.8 Limitations of the research.............................................................................................27
CHAPTER 4: FINDING AND ANALYSIS................................................................................28
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................46
Introduction..........................................................................................................................46
5.1 Critique of Adopted Approach.......................................................................................46
5.2 Analysis..........................................................................................................................46
5.3 Overall Conclusions.......................................................................................................46
5.4 Limitations of the Study.................................................................................................48
5.5 Opportunities for Further Research................................................................................48
5.6 Recommendations..........................................................................................................49
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................51
Books and Journals:.............................................................................................................51
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................56

Project title: To investigate conflict management approaches used by project
manager to assure project success
Chapter 1: INTRODCUTION
1.1 Background to the research
This research aims to investigate conflict management approaches which are to be
applied by project manager to assure project success. It is identified that in nowadays
organisation need to give more focus on resolution of conflicts as there are many conflicts that
are arising due to many factors (Elgoibar, Euwema and Munduate, 2017). Factors that influence
conflicts in organisation are politics, cultural environment of workplace, diversities, etc. These
factors give a great influence on organisation success and growth as it decline the motivation and
productivity in employees. There are many conflict issues occurs in the organisation such as
cultural and gender issues, clashes in personality, poor communication, sharing resources,
contrasting styles, etc. Cultural issue is one of the important issues which come in every
organisation. These are matters that have an effect on the nature and culture of society. These
issues can be the changing nature of employees and employees needs and demands (Nicholas,
and Steyn, 2017). This is the main reason that companies need to take a corrective measure in
order to resolve conflicts in the workplace. It is identified that if companies cannot take a right
action then they can face many negative consequences in the organisation. For that purpose,
organisation need to used conflict management approaches so that they can make assure about
project success. These all cultural issues and challenges have to be faced by project manager.
The company which is taken in this research report is Galliford Try is the British construction
company which is registered in the London. It is formally involved in house building and these
results in selling its housing business to Bovis Homes. This was founded in the year 1908 and
considers being the public limited company. This construction company is facing certain cultural
issues and conflict within an organisation. It is between the employees who are working there.
This report includes research rationale, research methodology, literature review, data and
interpretation as this helps the investigator in identifying their truth results. At last this research
covers recommendations, conclusion and reflection of investigator.

1.2 Research question, aims and objectives
Research aim:
“To evaluate conflict management approaches used by project manager to assure project
success.” A case study on Galliford Try’s Residential building construction Project
Research objective:
Based on above aim, following dissertation objectives are as follows:-
 To develop understanding about the concept of conflict management.
 To assess theories and models associated with conflict management within construction
sector.
 To investigate challenges facing by Galliford Try’s Residential building with regards to
conflict management.
 To recommend effectual strategies to Galliford Try’s Residential building for conflict
management.
Research questions:
Based on research objectives, following research questions can be framed:
A research question is:
 What are the challenges in implementing models associated with conflict management in
the construction field?
1.3 Justification of research
This research is based on cultural issues and conflict management approaches that are
being involved in the organisation. The diverse cultural background of the individuals engaged in
the execution of the proposed residential project can have major implication on the execution of
the respective project plan (Rahim and Katz, 2019). The inability of the project members to
facilitate the acceptance and coordinate with their colleagues can lead to major threats on the
functioning and management of the residential project. The proposed research report is important
because this helps the manager in focusing on certain challenges which are being involved in the
organisational among employees. It will help in the determination of the most potential obstacles
in terms of cultural and diversity in the organisation. It will also assist the manager in the
implementation and regulation of the appropriate conflict resolution techniques which will help
the employees to facilitate better understanding and coordination. The report will also provide
an opportunity to the researcher to acquire essential insights pertaining to the cultural aspect of

management and gain relevant understanding in relation with the same. This research topic is
essential because it helps the investigator in enhancing the knowledge and skills used in this
project (Hobbs, and Petit, 2017). The analytical skills of the investigator will be encouraged
through this research study which in turn will facilitate in the professional development of he
same. The overall knowledge of the researcher pertaining to the respective topic will be
accelerated as well. The facilitation of the proposed research study will also broaden the scope
of research in the field of cultural and management. It can be stated the execution of the
particular research will lead to greater advancement and will serve a foundation for conducting
further research activities and operations in the field of cultural management.
1.4 Outline methodology
Research methodology can be identified as the appropriate tools and techniques taken
into consideration in order to gather analyse or examine the data and information necessary for
the facilitation of the research study (Snyder, 2019). The philosophy of pragmatism has been
selected in order to realise the finding and outcomes of the research study in numerical. The
research strategy that will be exercised in order to lead the research further can be termed as
literature review as well as survey (Ørngreen and Levinsen, 2017). This research report is using
quantitative method because it helps in easy to understand with the help of statistical data. For
that purpose the researcher uses categorical data that includes bar graphs, pie chart, etc.
Quantitative method has been selected by the researcher in order to facilitate the analysis and
interpretation of the research report in a statistical form. Quantitative method of research is time
efficient and more reliable and appropriate in relation with the concerned research study. In the
respective research study, both primary as well as secondary tool of data collection has been
utilised by the researcher in order to acquire the specific information and data (Mohajan, 2018).
Primary tool is utilised in order to gain information from the source of questionnaire. Secondary
tool of data collection is taken into utilisation in order to acquire required data for literature
review. Questionnaire can be termed as the research instrument incorporated in the respective
report in order to accumulate the collect the data from the research participants who are a
prominent part of the research study (Zangirolami-Raimundo, Echeimberg and Leone, 2018).
The research study is conducted in accordance with all the ethical considerations in order to
alleviate the degree of authenticity of the same.

1.5 Outline of the rest of the dissertation
Outline of the dissertation can be characterised as a section of the research study that
reflects upon the systemic overview about the different chapters that will be incorporated within
the research report (Wong and et. al., 2018). It details about the key aspects of each chapter in
order to lead the research in an organised manner. In the proposed research report, there are five
major chapters. The information in respect with what will be discussed in each chapter is
mentioned below:-
Introduction
It can be termed as the first and foremost chapter of the research. Introduction involves
the background of the research (Tabassi, Abdullah and Bryde, 2019). It also highlights upon the
aims and objective of the proposed research as well as the research questions pertaining to the
topic. The justification behind the behind conducting the research is also discussed in the
chapter. A brief outline about the proposed methodology as well as the structure of the report is
mentioned under this chapter as well. The detailed summary in context to the entire chapter is
also discussed at the end of this section.
Literature review
The respective chapter will involve the formation of literature in relation with the topic
selected for the research purpose (Owan, 2018). Various articles and journals of different authors
will be examined in order to formulate this section in an effective manner. The concerned section
allows the investigator to bridge the gaps pertaining to the research study in appropriate manner.
Every given objective of the research is provided with the relevant discussion in the respective
chapter of the research study.
Methodology
The respective chapter involves the various research approaches and methodologies
utilised by the researches in order to process the information in a systemic way (Rispens, Jehn
and Steinel, 2021). Research philosophy, tools of data collection, research approach, research
instrument, research strategy, sampling procedures and technique etc. are discussed within the
respective chapter. It is a very significant and important chapter as the further data analysis and
interpretation is based upon the approaches and techniques selected in this particular chapter.
Finding and Analysis

This can be termed as a chapter of the research study in which the research information is
examined and analysed in order to interpret the relevant findings from the same. In order to
analyse the quality information, frequency distribution is capitalised by the researcher as it is
more suitable method relation with the existing research study.
Conclusion
It can be termed as the last chapter of the dissertation way. The conclusion of the report
needs to be very precise and impactful in order to sum up the entire work facilitated by the
researcher in a productive manner. It summarises the entire dissertation and concludes the
finding of the same in a very deliberate manner. The respective part of the research study
signifies the accomplishment of the aims as well as objectives of the research study in an
effective way.
Chapter 1 Summary
From the introductory chapter, it can be summarised that culture play a significant role in
the management process conducted by the business organisations. In terms of residential
building project, it becomes very necessary for the management personnel to deal effectively
with the emerging diversification in the cultural aspect of the co-workers (Morselli and et. al.,
2017). The manger is required to ensure that all the workers are on the same level of acceptance
in order to implement the business operations of the project plan in accordance with the
predetermine criterion set for the same. The introductory section of this research section
highlights upon the aims and objectives of the research report as well as research question that
needs to be answered in the further course of the research plan. The research in the above
mentioned domain is externally important to be conducted so as individuals working under such
condition can gain insights about the ways and measures through which they can enhance their
operations (Kay and Skarlicki, 2020). The research can also reduce the repercussions associated
with the concerned situation. The methodology of the research report is also discussed in the
respective chapter. The proposed chapter also lays concern over the structure that will be
followed through the research. It depicts what will be discussed under each chapter and provides
relevant information associated with each chapter as well.

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
Literature review can be characterised as the review of scholarly articles by the legitimate
authors in order to provide an overview about the topic that has been selected by the researcher.
The respective part provides the necessary information in relation with the topic chosen for the
facilitation of the dissertation. As per the respective research, articles related to cultural
management will be discussed under this section in order to develop a literature that is
significant in terms of proving necessary information related to the objective illustrated in the
respective report. The secondary sources of information and data such as Books, journal,
magazines, online articles, newspapers etc. has been utilised in order to design the receptive
literature in an effective manner. The main objective and purpose of incorporating the literature
review is to facilitate the solution the existing gaps in the research study. The concern gap in this
research study can be defined as the challenges associated with the conflict management in
construction and the models that needs to be incorporated in order to solve the same. The
proposed literature review will try to exhibit the relevant information in respective domain.
2.1 Theme 1-To develop understanding about the concept of conflict management
According to the viewpoint of Aref Charehzehi and et. al., 2017 it can be stated that
conflict management is an integral part of every given business organization. Conflict
management is required to solve the conflicts issues that are poor communication, personality
clashes, discrimination, competition, politics etc. This type of conflicts creates issues in
organisation which ultimately effect on companies operation and functions. It just not effect on
organisational goals but also it gives impact on employee’s productivity and efficiency (Niu, Li
and Liu, 2020). If the company wants to grow successfully and sustainability then they have to
focus on conflicts issues in which they the use of appropriate conflict management approaches.
Conflict issues ruins employee-employer relationship which effect on their objectives and goals.
It can be defined as a concept wherein the management of a business organization is required to
identify and determine potential solution to the emerging conflicts within the business
environment. The main purpose behind the same to ensure that the firm eliminates the root
causes of the conflicting factor. The former process leads to smoother flow of business activities
within the organizational setting. Construction industry is a very complex industry and there are

numerous elements and aspects associated with the same. It can say that the bigger the project is,
the higher the chances of disagreements and disputes are. A large amount of investment is
incurred in order to lead the plan of construction (Yin and et. al., 2020). The stakes are very high
and the management staff handing the same are required processing the project plan in way that
the goals are met in an efficient and effective manner without any interruption. It can be said that
potential conflicts within the workforce may cause various implications on the construction
project. The project timeline can be compromised due to the emerging conflicts within the staff
members. This can also lead to delay of the construction plan and the money invested could also
get wasted as well. Disputes can hamper the productivity as well as work performance of the
employees as well. The construction industry works in a very organized and systemic manner
which means that the employees working under the same are required to be sincere and focused
upon their work. Their concentration needs to be alignment to the construction goals and
objective. Hence, it becomes really important for the managerial staff to ensure that every
individual is aligned and inclined towards the goals. It is required that the managers to monitor
that the interrelationship and equations among the employees. The respective practice can allow
them to identify any potential communication gap or other conflicting attributes that can hinder
their performance (Butler, 2018). In order to deal with the conflict situations in the construction
sector, it is necessary for the business firm to implement techniques which can reduce the
implication of these conflicts. The constructions form needs to focus upon the encouragement of
their work productivity and performance and the elimination of the distressing factors as well. In
order to promote smooth flow of functioning and operations within this sector, the business firms
need to ensure that coordination and cooperation is facilitates in a productive and effective
manner. The construction organizations are required to extremely be assertive towards
monitoring the behaviours of the individuals so as to assess their working rapport. In order to
find solution to the conflicts, it is very necessary for the construction organization to understand
the reason behind the same terms (Caputo, Ayoko and Amoo, 2018). A detailed assessment in
various dimensions needs to be facilitated by the concerned firms so as to realize the potential
causes behind the conflicts. There are various significant models that have been introduced in the
business environment in order to assist the organizations in solving their concerns and issues
relating to the conflict management. The construction firm needs to select or choose the most