The Effect of Conflict-Management Enhancing Strategy for Head Nurses on the Quality of Vertical Dyad Linkage with Nurses

Abstract

Background: Conflict management is an essential skill for an effective nurse leader. As the inappropriate use of conflict resolution skills leads to degeneration of communication and poor working relationships particularly between nurse leader and their staff nurses. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the effect of conflict-management enhancing strategy for head nurses on the quality of vertical dyad linkage with nurses. Material and methods:  Pre-experimental research design (one-group pretest-posttest) was used on 31 head nurses and 203 staff nurses working in Port Said Hospitals. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used; A Self-Administered Conflict Knowledge Questionnaire, Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument and Vertical Dyad Linkage Scale. Results: Revealed a statistically significant improvement in head nurses' knowledge regarding conflict and its management strategies after strategy implementation. Conclusion: There was a statistical improvement related to the quality of vertical dyad linkage among head nurses and their staff after implementation. So, the findings pointed to enhance head nurses' abilities related to conflict management through educational programs. Also, further researches are suggested in this area.