Research Analysis

Running Head: COMMUNICATION IN CONFLICT

Communication in Conflict Resolution: A Research Analysis
Alexandra Becker RN, BSN
University of Texas Arlington College of Nursing

In partial fulfillment of the requirements of
NUR5311 Nursing Management in Healthcare
Sharon Judkins PhD, RN, NEA-BC
October 25, 2012

Communication in Conflict Resolution: A Research Analysis
Introduction
In the nursing profession and healthcare organizations as a whole, communication has always been key in patient care, employee relationships, job satisfaction, and organizational structure. Conflict tends to arise when there are disagreements in care, hierarchal issues, culture issues, and communication issues. This paper will focus on communication skills for conflict resolution with a review of five studies and communication applicability to the nursing field. Communication and conflict resolution are important to nursing practice because nurse leaders need to be able to intervene when conflict arises and successfully mediate the conflict with regards to individual needs of each person involved. Effective communication is important whether it be speaking, listening, body language or silent communication in the form of kind gestures. The results of these studies will help me develop the skills necessary to pursue a career in nursing administration.
Literature Review
An issue surrounding healthcare organizations around the world is conflict among healthcare personnel.   The most common causes of conflict are personal differences, lack of clear job descriptions and responsibilities, role incompatibility, resource scarcity, and job uncertainty (Pavlakis, Kaitelidou, Theodorou, Galanis, Sourtzi, and Siskou, 2011).   The researchers conducted a study to assess factors leading to conflict among staff.   They found that a major factor of conflict was inter-personal communication gaps.   The study also found that differences in education levels lead to communication problems....