Former FUTA Registrar Stands In Fighting Conflict Using Communication and Collaboration

The former Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Registrar stands in communication and collaboration vital in resolving conflicts in a complex organization.

The former  Registrar and secretary to the council of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA Mr. Richard Arifalo has stated that the workplace is a veritable platform and avenue which provides an opportunity for staff to contribute to the growth and development of the organization they work for. He made this statement at his end-of-tenure valedictory lecture titled: Workplace Relationship in Complex Organization, The University Experience, held at the T.I Idibiye hall of the institution on the 23rd of May 2023. 

He said communication and collaboration would always be needed to resolve conflicts that are bound to occur in interpersonal relationships in a complex organization.

He said the lecture was inspired by his understanding of the importance of the workplace relationship which he considers a major challenge FUTA has had to grapple with in its 40 years of existence. He said experts see the workplace as a physical or virtual location where individuals come together to perform various tasks to achieve a common goal. He said the workplace is a critical aspect of modern society and it plays a vital role in shaping the economy of a country. According to him, a positive workplace environment is essential for employee productivity, engagement, and overall well-being.

Arifalo also defined a relationship as a connection or bond between two or more people, characterized by a range of interactions and emotions such as love, affection, trust, respect, and most of all communication. He said negative workplace relationships such as conflict or toxic dynamics can create tension, and stress and even harm productivity and employee wellbeing. Arifalo opined that maintaining a healthy workplace relationship is crucial for creating a positive work environment and promoting job satisfaction and retention including organizational goals.

Highlighting the characteristics of a complex organization, the Registrar mentioned bureaucracy, division of labor, formal communication channels, centralization, standardization, formal rules, and procedure. Sighting the University as a good example of a complex organization, Arifalo said one of the key components of a University is its Academic structure which includes various colleges and faculties, departments,s, and other academic programs. He also said workplace relationships within the University include relationships between the vice chancellor and the Chairman of the council, the Vice Chancellor and his deputies, the Vice Chancellor and Deans, Vice Chancellor, and Bursars.

He said that sources of conflicts in complex organizations can include differences in goals and objectives, competition for resources, communication breakdown, power, power struggle, and personal conflicts. He advised that to reduce these conflicts and foster a better working relationship the area of communication must be effectively addressed. He urged all to maintain open lines of communication with colleagues.

 He also pointed out that collaboration or the concept of collegiality which is teamwork is another very vital recipe for a working relationship. He said empathy and respect must always be and at all-time be observed, conflict resolution, networking, a supportive environment, flexibility and adaptability, work-life balance, professional development and recognition, promoting mutual respect, and a generally positive outlook will all encourage and sustain a good working relationship in any organization.

Speaking earlier the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Development Professor Sunday Oluyamo congratulated the former Registrar, describing Arifalo as a thoroughbred and astute Administrator. While commending and extolling the virtues of Mr. Arifalo the Vice Chancellor stated that he has served the University meritoriously in different capacities such as Chairman of the Registry Annual Lecture Organizing Committee for the 2nd,3rd, and 4th annual lectures, member, of the Board of Computer Resource Centre, Member, Board of Health Services Management board among others.

MySchoolNews reporting.