Communication, Relationships, and Religious Difference in the Northern Ireland Workplace: A Study of Private and Public Sector Organizations

Abstract

Four large organizations, two each from the private and public sectors of the Northern Ireland economy, were selected for this study which, first, explored the effects of religion-based workforce difference on intergroup relationships, second, investigated the contribution of organizational sector to communicative differences, and third, gauged the effects of group-based negativity on the flow and distribution of functional information within the organization. Little evidence of intergroup conflict was found although employees expressed a desire for greater quantity and quality of outgroup contact. Significant differences between the private and public bodies emerged in this respect. Contrasts were consistent with general organizational differences typifying the sectors. Findings are discussed in relation to diversity management and the characteristics of organizational sectors.

Keywords:

• Organization
• Workplace Diversity
• Conflict
• Intergroup Relations
• Internal Communication

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Dickson

David Dickson (Ph.D., University of Ulster, 1981) is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Communication, and a member of the Psychology Research Institute, at the University of Ulster

Owen Hargie

Owen Hargie (Ph.D., University of Ulster, 1980) is Professor of Communication in the School of Communication, and member of the Psychology Research Institute, at the University of Ulster

Noel Wilson

Noel Wilson is Assistant Director of IT User Services at the University of Ulster