ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study explored how workplace conflict influences employee performance in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority Southeast.

Methodology: The study adopted a survey design and quantitative approach to collect data from 127 employees of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in the Southeast region of Nigeria. Data were collected, statistically tested, and analyzed using the partial least square (Ordinary Least Regression) method with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 25 software) at a 5% level of significance.

Findings: The results of research hypothesis one showed that workplace conflict had an insignificant influence on team creativity. The results of research hypothesis two revealed that interpersonal conflict had a significant influence on team creativity. The study offers the following suggestions. Managers are advised to introduce diversity training programs across all levels and units to orient workers to develop interpersonal skills necessary to accommodate people from diverse backgrounds.

Originality/Value: This study is one of the earliest to explore the influence of interpersonal and task conflict on team creativity using the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in the Southeast region of Nigeria. This study developed a regression model showing the equation relating workplace conflict variables-(interpersonal and task conflict) and employee performance variables (team creativity).

Keywords: Workplace Conflict, Job Demand Resources Model, Task Conflict, Interpersonal Conflict, Team Creativity, Southeast Region.