Motives and communication behavior of the steering committee in managing student organizational conflicts

Abstract

Purpose: to analyze the dynamics of organizational conflict in ICSSA by examining the sources and forms of conflict, conflict management styles, decision-making patterns, and their implications for organizational communication practices and member involvement.

Method: this study uses a qualitative, phenomenological approach, with data collected through literature reviews, field observations, and in-depth interviews with ICSSA steering committee members and other directly involved parties in the dynamics of organizational conflict.

Findings: conflict in ICSSA is influenced by its hierarchical structure, centralized leadership, financial independence, and hierarchical communication, with the highest intensity at the regional and national levels. A predominantly avoidant conflict-management style and unilateral decision-making reduce member engagement, transparency, and organizational legitimacy, while limited collaborative communication builds understanding and trust.

Implications: this study emphasizes the importance of transparent, participatory, and dialogic communication in student organizations to manage conflict constructively, increase member engagement, strengthen leadership legitimacy, and maintain organizational cohesion and sustainability.

Originality: it focuses on an integrated analysis of organizational values, member perceptions, organizational communication, and leadership in conflict management in student organizations with virtual or hybrid work arrangements, a context rarely studied in the Indonesian organizational communication literature.