A black work-group's perception of the resolution of industrial group conflict

D.Com. (Industrial Psychology)The primary purpose of this study was to determine various perceptions of a group of Black industrial workers regarding group conflict which arises between management and the workers. A second objective was to establish whether any differences exist between ,the perceptions of this group and those of a similar White group. "Conflict" as a phenomenon was introduced and 'collective bargaining' as a means of resolving labour-management conflict was reviewed. This required examining the history of negotiation and its development from biblical times, the Black man's traditional method of negotiation, and the Black workers' involvement in, the trade union movement in South Africa to-day. A study of the relevant literature revealed various approaches to industrial relations, and frames of reference, and it became clear that a person's approach would largely he determined by the frame of reference adopted. The most popular frame of reference in Western industrialized countries appears to he the pluralist perspective which views conflict as' a natural outcome of human interaction. As such it is found in all labour-management interaction t and has been institutionalized through the process of collective bargaining. The sample used in the study consisted of 1124 Black and 201 White industrial workers employed in East London. The instrument used was a questionnaire designed to measure the attitudes of the two groups on various aspects of collective bargaining..