Conflict occurrence and preferred management styles among ICU nurses during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) have been overwhelmed by the increasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, causing psychological burdens, stress, and various types of conflict among nurses.Aim: To examine the occurrence, type, and intensity of conflict and preferred management styles among ICU nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.Study Design: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a government hospital in Saudi Arabia using a convenience sample of 95 nurses from three ICUs. Data were collected using an e-questionnaire comprising the Nursing Conflict Scale, Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II, and sociodemographic variables.Results: Most participants reported exposure to moderately (64.2%) or highly (34.79%) intense conflict during the pandemic. The competitive (2.23 +/- .472) and intragroup (2.23 +/- .385) types of conflict were the most frequently reported. The preferred conflict management style was collaborating (21.85 +/- 5.49), followed by accommodating (18.39 +/- 4.03). Pearson's correlation analysis showed that age, years of experience, and education were significantly associated with conflict type and management style. Preparedness to care for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases was associated with interpersonal conflict (r = .20, p = .04).Conclusions: The participants experienced moderate- to high-intensity conflict; however, they employed constructive rather than destructive management styles.