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Emp engagement and conflict mgt_Final draft
Emp engagement and conflict mgt_Final draft
Submitted to
Professor
Submitted by
E-MBA Student
Introduction..........................................................................................................................3
1. 1 Background.................................................................................................................3
Literature Review...................................................................................................................5
Research Methodology..........................................................................................................6
4.4 Conclusion.................................................................................................................16
Bibliography........................................................................................................................17
Appendices.........................................................................................................................18
Questionnaire..................................................................................................................18
2
Introduction
1. 1 Background
When people are working together, conflict is an inevitable aspect of any workplace. Conflict in
the workplace is not exclusive to small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs). However, in
small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), where employees often wear multiple hats,
disagreements and tensions can arise frequently. Employee engagement and effective conflict
management are crucial aspects of a healthy and productive work environment. Understanding
MSME employees' perspectives in Phnom Penh will provide valuable insights for employers to
improve employee well-being, foster a positive work environment, and enhance overall
organizational performance. The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the level of
several factors that can lead to employee disengagement in the workplace. They can be seen as
emotionally and physically distant from their team members. They lack motivation and effort to
complete their tasks and support the organization’s goals (Parsons, 2022). According to survey
data released by Gallup (2023), there is a big drop in engagement for workers who are under 35
years old. They were feeling a lack of care and encouragement, a lack of opportunities to learn
and grow, their opinions were not acknowledged, and they had fewer friends at work. In
addition, employees can experience anxiety and depression due to conflict situations at work
(Lindner, 2024). The data from CPP (2008) reported that more than 80% of employees they
surveyed let their conflict with coworkers escalate, among those 9% do not come to work for
multiple days, 10% avoid going to meetings, and 12% quit their job.
3
1.3 Research Objectives
1. Assess employee engagement levels at MSME companies.
MSME companies.
organization?
2. What are the preferred methods of conflict resolution among MSME employees in
Phnom Penh?
4
Literature Review
enthusiastic about their jobs and organizations. High engagement is linked to increased
productivity, lower turnover, and a more positive workplace culture. Work engagement and
will create more engaged workers and more engaged workers will go on to perform better
(CIPD, 2023). Anyhow, according to Forbes (2012), it mentioned that happy and satisfied
employees do not necessarily mean engaged employees. The emotional commitment the
employees have to the organization and its goals is believed to be their genuine engagement.
disruption, and promotes a sense of fairness among employees. It is vital for SMEs to maintain
employees’ abilities in an organization and serves as a key strategy for supporting the internal
and external knowledge management activities of the company (Asif, Khan, & Pasha, 2019).
Disengaged employees are considered more likely to have disputes with their superiors (Asif,
Khan, & Pasha, 2019). For SMEs, reputation is crucial. Conflicts that spill over to customers or
the public can damage the business’s reputation. Effective conflict management maintains a
positive image and ensures smooth customer relations. Mr. Simon Sinek, an author of Leaders
Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t, stated that “Customers will never
5
Research Methodology
sampling approach will be used, where readily accessible employees who work in MSME
companies will be asked to fill in the online survey. The data analysis will be conducted using
Excel. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize employee engagement scores and the
management effectiveness.
employee engagement section were adopted from survey sample items designed by
(DecisionWise). Items were measured by using a 5-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree,
5=Strongly Agree). 9 items for conflict resolution were adopted from the report published by
(CIPD, 2020), there are 8 multiple choices questions, and one was asked to select agree or
disagree. A Google Form will be the primary data collection tool. Employees who work in MSME
companies will be asked to fill in the survey. A total of 11 responses were returned.
6
Data Analysis and Conclusion
Female 5 3 8 (73%)
Male 2 1 3 (27%)
Among 11 respondents, 08 respondents are females and 03 are males. 64% of respondents are
Professional Status
11 11
Duration of Service
7
All 11 respondents are employed full-time. Regarding the type of company or organization, all
employees. The duration of service among employees varies, with 4 employees having served
related to various aspects of the work environment, supervisor relationships, team dynamics,
and organizational values. Each item was evaluated on a scale ranging from 'Strongly agree' to
resources available to them, as indicated by the overwhelming agreement with the statement,
“I have the tools and resources I need to do my job well.” This is a positive indicator that the
The statement, “Most days, I feel like I am making progress on important work projects or
initiatives,” gathered strong agreement from the majority. This suggests that employees
generally feel productive and valued in their roles. However, when it comes to recognition, the
responses were more varied. While many employees agreed that their efforts are regularly
respondents agree positively with the fairness and respect shown by supervisors. This is
reinforced by the agreement with the statement, “My supervisor creates a positive and
energizing workplace.” Despite this, ongoing feedback from supervisors received mixed
reviews, indicating that while some employees feel adequately supported, others do not
8
Employee Engagement
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
3
4
1. I have the tools and resources I need to do my job well. 2
2
6
3. My work is valued by this organization. 4
1
6
4. My supervisor regularly recognizes my efforts and contributions. 5
3
5
5. My supervisor treats people with fairness and respect. 3
3
3
6. My supervisor creates a positive and energizing workplace. 4
1
2
4
7. My supervisor gives me ongoing feedback about my performance. 4
1
2
5
8. The people I work with take accountability for results. 2
2
1
7
9. The people I work with treat me with respect. 2
1
3
5
10. The people on my team collaborate and help each other. 2
1
2
7
11. We listen to and value each others' thoughts and opinions. 1
1
3
7
12. As a team, we help each other improve.
1
1
8
18. I would recommend this organization as a great place to work. 1
1
9
Team dynamics also received favorable responses. Employees largely agreed that their
colleagues take accountability for results and treat each other with respect. Collaboration and
mutual support within teams were positively noted, reflecting a healthy team environment.
However, there was a slightly less enthusiastic response to the statement about listening to
and valuing each other's opinions, suggesting room for enhancing communication within
teams.
In terms of professional growth, the responses were mixed. Although many employees
expressed satisfaction with their growth opportunities, a significant number were neutral or
dissatisfied. Its responses to whether the organization values employee input, feedback, and
suggestions, reveal that some employees feel their contributions are undervalued.
Confidence in the organization's future and its vision was significant, with many employees
agreeing that the organization's goals are important to them. The overall care and concern for
employees by the organization received mixed feedback, indicating that while some employees
feel cared for, others do not share this value. Many agree, but a notable number are neutral or
disagree to the statement “This organization cares about employees.” The majority strongly
agree that they would recommend their organization as a great place to work. The survey results
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4.3 Result of Conflict Management Survey
Status of Conflict
4.5
4
4
3.5
3 3
3
2.5
1.5
1
1
0.5
0
0
Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
Which ONE person from the list below have you expe-
rienced the most serious problem?
Customer or client 2
None 2
11
What issues did the most serious incident of conflict
focus on?
None 1
12
What are the impacts of conflict?
Unworkable relationships 5
Stress 5
Sickness absence 2
Resigned from the job 3
Not applicable – it had no impact. 1
Legal dispute 1
Formal disciplinary 1
Dismissal 1
Depression 4
Changed job roles 3
Anxiety 4
A loss of self-confidence 5
A drop in productivity 4
A drop in motivation or commitment 5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Disagree Agree
13
Barriers experienced by organizations in managing con-
flict
6
Lack of trust by employees in senior management 5
5
Lack of clear policies and procedures to deal with 5
4
Lack of resources (staff/budget/time) 4
3
A culture that isn’t focused on dignity and respect 3
2
Inadequate training and guidance for managers 2
2
inappropriate behavior 1
1
Employee complaints 1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Disciplinary action 5
Settlement agreement 4
External mediation 4
Early neutral evaluation (an independent third party examines the strengths/weaknesses of the case and provides an objective assessment of the likely outcome) 4
Grievance procedure 3
Acas early conciliation (the process conducted before going to the Employment Tribunal) 3
Arbitration by an independent third party (where an independent third party imposes a solution) 2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Figure 12. Methods of dealing with workplace issues used in the last 12 months
14
Conflict appears to be a common occurrence in the workplace, with varied responses: 1
respondent strongly agreed, 4 agreed, 3 were neutral, and 3 disagreed that conflict is common.
When identifying the most serious conflict, the respondents were evenly split among several
sources: colleagues elsewhere in the organization, their team, customers or clients, and line
managers or supervisors. A few had never experienced serious conflict, highlighting diverse
physical assault, and harassment each had at least one mention. This variety of behaviors
The impact of conflict is significant, with respondents reporting drops in motivation and
managers understand formal procedures for discipline and grievance (10 respondents),
recognize bullying behavior (9 respondents), and understand the legal framework for
harassment (9 respondents). However, fewer agree that managers are confident using informal
15
respondents). There is significant discomfort among managers in discussing personal issues
attitudes among the workforce, inadequate HR guidance, insufficient training for managers, a
lack of trust in line management, and poor working relationships generally. Other noted barriers
In the past 12 months, the methods used to deal with workplace issues included doing nothing
and external), facilitated discussions by HR, settlement agreements, and disciplinary actions.
Training for line managers in handling difficult conversations was specially practiced.
4.4 Conclusion
The research on employee engagement and conflict management within MSMEs in Phnom
Penh reveals a multifaceted view where both positive aspects and challenges coexist.
within the organization. Employees feel well-equipped and productive, enjoy good team
dynamics, and believe in the organization's vision. However, areas such as supervisor
feedback, recognition, and professional growth opportunities need attention to enhance overall
employee satisfaction and engagement. Addressing these areas could further strengthen the
organization's commitment to its workforce and foster a more inclusive and supportive work
environment. The results of the conflict management survey highlight the nature of workplace
and the numerous barriers faced by organizations in managing conflicts effectively. Addressing
these areas is essential for MSMEs in Phnom Penh to thrive and support their employees' well-
16
being and productivity through improved training, clearer policies, and fostering a culture of
respect and open communication could help mitigate conflict and its adverse effects.
Bibliography
Asif, M., Khan, M. A., & Pasha, M. A. (2019). Psychological Capital of Employees’ Engagement:
Moderating Impact of Conflict Management in the Financial Sector of Pakistan. Global
Social Sciences Review (GSSR), 115 – 123. doi:10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-III).15
Bonifacio, R. (2014, March). The Ultimate Guide to the Open Door Policy in the Workplace.
Retrieved from Shiftbase: https://www.shiftbase.com/blog/open-door-policy-in-the-
workplace
CIPD. (2020). Managing conflict in the modern workplace. CIPD. Retrieved from
https://www.cipd.org/globalassets/media/knowledge/knowledge-hub/reports/
managing-conflict-in-the-workplace-2_tcm18-70655.pdf
CIPD. (2023, June). Employee engagement and motivation. Retrieved from CIPD:
https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/factsheets/engagement-factsheet/#what-is-
employee-engagement
CPP. (2008). Workplace conflict and how businesses can harness it to thrive. CPP, Inc.
Retrieved from https://img.en25.com/Web/CPP/Conflict_report.pdf
DecisionWise. (n.d.). Employee Engagement Survey. Retrieved from https://decision-
wise.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/EE-Sample-Survey-DecisionWise.pdf
Gray, K. (2010, June). Look Inside 'Open-Door' Policies. Retrieved from SHRM:
https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/employee-relations/look-inside-open-door-
policies
Harter, J. (2023, January). U.S. Employee Engagement Needs a Rebound in 2023. Retrieved from
GALLUP: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/468233/employee-engagement-needs-
rebound-2023.aspx
Kruse, K. (2012, June). What Is Employee Engagement. Retrieved from Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2012/06/22/employee-engagement-what-
and-why/?sh=228eade17f37
Lindner, J. (2024, April). Must-Know Workplace Conflict Statistics [Current Data]. Retrieved from
Gitnux: https://gitnux.org/workplace-conflict-statistics/
Parsons, L. (2022, November). How to Engage a Disengaged Employee. Retrieved from Harvard
Division of Continuing Education: https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-
engage-a-disengaged-employee/#:~:text=Disengaged%20employees%20tend%20to
%20not,the%20organization%20reach%20its%20goals.
Quast, L. (2013, October). New Managers: 4 Reasons You Need An 'Open Door' Policy.
Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2013/10/07/new-
managers-4-reasons-you-need-an-open-door-policy/?sh=a2e6b927cde3
Soieb, A. Z., Othman, J., & D’Silva, J. L. (2013). The Effects of Perceived Leadership Styles and
Organizational Citizenship Behaviour on Employee Engagement: The Mediating Role of
Conflict Management. International Journal of Business and Management, 8.
doi:10.5539/ijbm.v8n8p91
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Appendices
Questionnaire
LINK to SURVEY: https://forms.gle/JU4pEswXrYzYVFx88
Thank you for your interest in completing this survey. This questionnaire aims to gather
employees’ insights into their engagement and conflict within the workplace. All your
information will be kept confidential. Any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) will not be
displayed in the findings. This survey is expected to take you less than 15 minutes to complete.
Level of Agreement
1= Strongly Disagree
4 = Somewhat Agree
5= Strongly Agree
Please provide an answer that is consistent with 2= Somewhat
your experience Disagree
Disagree
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Level of Agreement
1= Strongly Disagree
4 = Somewhat Agree
5= Strongly Agree
Please provide an answer that is consistent with
2= Somewhat
your experience
Disagree
Disagree
14. I am satisfied with the opportunities for my
own professional growth in this organization.
15. I am confident that this organization has a
successful future.
16. This organization values employee input,
feedback, and suggestions.
17. This organization cares about employees.
18. I would recommend this organization as a
great place to work.
Section 2 : Conflict Resolution (Source: CIPD Managing conflict in the modern workplace)
◻ Agree
◻ Strongly agree
◻ Disagree
◻ Strongly disagree
20. Which ONE person from the list below have you experienced the most serious problem?
◻ Customer or client
19
◻ Member of the public (while at work)
◻ Indirect report (someone working in the function, department, or organization that I lead
◻ Supplier
◻ Partner organization
◻ Other
21. What issues did the most serious incident of conflict focus on?
◻ Promotion
◻ Other
◻ Lack of respect
20
◻ Shouting or heated arguments
◻ Physical threat
◻ Physical assault
◻ Other
◻ Stress
◻ Anxiety
◻ A loss of self-confidence
◻ Depression
◻ Unworkable relationships
◻ A drop in productivity
◻ Sickness absence
◻ Formal disciplinary
◻ Legal dispute
◻ Dismissal
◻ Other
21
24. Do you agree, or disagree, that managers in your organization
Please provide an answer that is consistent with your experience Agree Disagree
1. Would nip in the bud any conflict between people in a team
2. Understand the organization’s formal procedures for discipline
and grievance
3. Understand what kind of behavior constitutes bullying
4. Are confident about using informal approaches like mediation
to resolve conflict
5. Understand the legal framework for harassment
6. Would immediately challenge another manager if they made a
discriminatory remark
7. Would feel uncomfortable discussing personal issues with
their team
◻ senior management
◻ inappropriate behavior
◻ bullying/harassment
22
◻ Lack of clear policies and procedures to deal with
◻ Employee complaints
◻ Other
26. Methods of dealing with workplace issues used in the last 12 months
◻ Disciplinary action
◻ Grievance procedure
◻ Settlement agreement
◻ Acas early conciliation (the process conducted before going to the Employment
Tribunal)
◻ External mediation
solution)
◻ Other
27. Lastly, what would be your suggestions to better resolve conflict in your organization?
28. Please select the type of the company/organization you are working for:
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29. Please select your gender
◻ Male
◻ Female
◻ 21 to 25 years old
◻ 26 to 30 years old
◻ 31 to 35 years old
◻ 36 above
◻ Full-time employee
◻ Part-time employee
◻ Intern/Trainee
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