EFFECT OF MEMO AND STAFF MEETING ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN SELECTED DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA
Oyeniyi Tinu Sikrat , Abdul Adamu, PhD and Usman A. Yusuf, PhD
Volume 14 Issue 2
Abstract
This study examined how the deployment of memos and staff meetings, acting as independent variables, influences conflict resolution within public sector organizations in Abuja, Nigeria. Guided by Media Richness Theory, the research focused on staff at the National Mathematical Centre, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation. The study adopted a survey research design, collected data through structured questionnaires administered to 280 staff members across the three agencies, selected through stratified random sampling. Hypotheses were tested using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The empirical results demonstrate that the staff meetings, exerts a significant positive effect on conflict resolution by serving as a highly rich communication medium that allows for real-time feedback, personal cues, and the immediate clarification of misunderstandings. Memos also significantly drives successful conflict resolution; as a leaner written medium, it functions effectively to eliminate institutional ambiguity by providing permanent, standardized records and uniform directives. Ultimately, the study shows that when these two independent formal communication channels are utilized effectively based on their structural richness, they directly improve workplace harmony and coordination. The study concludes that both independent variables are vital communication mechanisms for dispute management in government agencies. Consequently, it is recommended that public institution managers strategically deploy staff meetings to resolve complex, emotionally charged disputes interactively and utilize well-structured memos to standardize administrative policies. Keywords: Conflict resolution, Memos, Staff Meetings, Departments and agencies, Abuja.
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