Levels and Types of Conflict Experienced by Nurses in the Hospital Settings: A Comparative Study

Mervat E. A. El Dahshan^1, and Rania I. Moussa²

¹Nursing Administration Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt

²Education Department, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhur University, Egypt

Cite this paper:
Mervat E. A. El Dahshan and Rania I. Moussa. Levels and Types of Conflict Experienced by Nurses in the Hospital Settings: A Comparative Study. American Journal of Nursing Research. 2019; 7(3):301-309. doi: 10.12691/ajnr-7-3-10

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable phenomenon in any environment where people interact. Although individuals, groups, and organizations work to accomplish their goals, there is always a continuous interaction between them during this process conflicts, disagreements, and inconsistencies between the parties can rise. Aim: The main aim of the current study was to compare types and levels of conflict experienced by nurses in National Medical Institute at Damanhur (Egypt) and Taif Governmental Hospitals (Saudi Arabia). Subject and methods: A comparative cross-sectional research design was utilized in the present study. Random sample (450) nurses from both Egyptian and Saudi hospitals composed the study sample. Nursing Conflict Scale was used to assess the types and levels of conflict experienced by nurses in the hospital settings. Results: Interpersonal conflict and intragroup conflict were the most common types of conflict experienced by Egyptian nurses. On the other hand, the greatest popular types of conflict experienced by Saudi nurses were intragroup conflict and competitive conflict. Conclusion: Egyptian nurses experienced moderate to high level of conflict, while, Saudi nurses experienced moderate to low level of conflict. Additionally, Egyptian nurses experienced a higher level of conflict than Saudi nurses. Recommendations: Nurse managers should develop effective conflict management strategies to decrease conflict between nurses and to create a more healthier and productive work environment which definitely affect the quality of nursing care provided.

Keywords:
levels of conflict Egyptian nurses Saudi nurses comparative study

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