Conflito interpessoal entre brasileiros e entre brasileiros e estrangeiros no local de trabalho: o caso de empresas multinacionais de Manaus-AM

Abstract

An organization may be viewed as a complex network of relationships whose operation depends on adequate communication and integration between people. In this sense, interpersonal conflicts are part of the organizational environment and affect both the lives of workers and the organization itself. The objective of this research was to describe and analyze interpersonal conflicts between Brazilian employees and between Brazilian and Foreigner employees in the electroelectronic sector of the Manaus Free Zone. Brazilians aged between 21 and 65 years participated in the investigation. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews on the conflicts that occurred in the workplace. The causes attributed to the conflict were organized into seven triggering factors of conflict: (a) factors related to productivity and efficiency, (b) factors related to the methodology of work and planning, (c) factors related to hierarchy and control or leadership, (d) the company or institutional issues, (e) problems of communication and interpersonal relationships, (f) ethical and moral problems, (g) cultural differences and different education. The interpersonal conflicts were also related to cultural factors, especially when people with different cultural and educational background worked together in the same organization. These cultural differences are not restricted to people from different countries. As noted in this research, even people belonging to the same nationality may take part in conflicts attributed to cultural differences. These differences, however, are more conspicuous when workers in the same organization are from different countries, with different cultural backgrounds connected to a different social and organizational culture. According to the data, these differences can lead to greater diversity of interpersonal conflicts in an organization.