Buddha's Metta and Workplace Conflict Management

Abstract

This article explores about workplace conflict and the effectiveness of Buddha's Metta known as loving-kindness, in managing the conflict. The conflict has been a challenging issue in every organization in the world. It often disrupts overall working environment, and reduces quality productivity of the organizations. Addressing such conflict effectively and sustainably has become increasingly important. The traditional practices of conflict management give a temporary or surficial solution for the conflict. It has not been able to give sustainable measures to the conflict resolution. Thus, there lacks a deep study to explore the internal cause of the conflict and to give sustainable resolution for the conflict. The pivotal objectives of the study are to identify the causes and nature of workplace conflict and to analyze how Metta (loving-kindness) can contribute to sustainable conflict resolution enhancing peaceful personal life and productive workplace relationships. The study implements a qualitative methodology based on the study of Buddhist literatures, scholarly articles, and the relevant researches. The findings of the study shows the practice of Metta helps reduce hostility, anger, stress, misunderstanding and interpersonal tension in the workplace. It promotes mutual respect, harmony and emotional balance among employees. The study concludes that Buddha's teaching of loving-kindness provides a practical, sustainable and transformative approach to workplace conflict management.