CONFLICT COMMUNICATION IN STRUCTURED ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENTS: EVIDENCE FROM THE NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJLGC.1145049Keywords:
Conflict Communication, Hierarchical Barriers, Higher Education, Organisational Communication, Psychological SafetyAbstract
This study examines conflict communication practices within a hierarchical higher education institution, focusing on the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM). Drawing on organisational communication and conflict management literature, the study investigates three key dimensions: conflict communication strategies, challenges, and proposed solutions. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from lecturers across faculties and centres within the institution. The findings indicate that lecturers predominantly employ diplomatic, adaptive, and harmony-oriented communication strategies, particularly politeness (M = 4.33) and perspective-taking (M = 4.28), while direct confrontation is less frequently practiced. Key challenges include emotional escalation (M = 4.44), lack of psychological safety (M = 4.21), and hierarchical barriers (M = 4.09). Correlation analysis reveals a significant relationship between perceived challenges and proposed solutions (r = .305, p < .05), while no significant relationships were found between communication strategies and other variables, suggesting that conflict communication strategies may vary across institutional situations rather than functioning as stable behavioural patterns. The study contributes to an integrative understanding of conflict communication within hierarchical institutional environments and highlights the importance of leadership, communication training, and psychological safety in improving organisational communication practices.
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