Interpersonal Conflict Among Nurses in Tertiary Hospitals in Dali, the People’s Republic of China

Abstract

Interpersonal conflict is the interpersonal clashes, tension, animosity, and jealousy that occur between people. It is considered destructive as it is characterized by power struggles and personal issues and negatively affects group decision-making and task implementation. The aim of this study was to assess interpersonal conflict between nurses in tertiary hospitals in Dali, the People’s Republic of China, and the relationship between interpersonal conflict and the nurses’ various socio-demographic characteristics. The study found that, overall, nurses perceived a low level of interpersonal conflict. Nurses’ age, marital status, education level, work time, appointment status, and work experience were non-significant variables, and job status a significant variable associated with interpersonal conflict score. This study provides baseline information about nurses’ interpersonal conflict. Nurse managers should use this study’s results to develop positive working environments and reduce interpersonal conflict among nurses.