CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN THE PROJECT AND OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF OIL AND GAS COMPANIES

Abstrakt

INTRODUCTION. The need for a project-based approach in the petroleum industry is driven by the high complexity and capital intensity of operations, as well as the impact of numerous external factors, which requires optimisation of resources, clear division of responsibilities and coordination of project participants. At the same time, given the complexity of project implementation and multi-level stakeholder interaction, conflict management is an important tool for ensuring the successful completion of projects, as conflicts can significantly affect their effectiveness.

THE HYPOTHESIS OF THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. Conflicts in petroleum company projects are caused by managerial and communication dysfunctions and can be reduced through the implementation of a comprehensive conflict management system based on specific principles.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY. The purpose of the article is to study the specifics and main problems of conflict management in petroleum company operations projects and to develop principles of effective conflict management based on the identified empirical data.

THE METHODOLOGY OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. To achieve this goal, a set of interrelated methods was used: analysis, synthesis, induction, comparison, generalisation, as well as a questionnaire survey, expert evaluation, observation, and the Thomas-Kilman methodology for analysing behaviour in conflict situations.

CONCLUSIONS AND PROSPECTS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH. In petroleum company projects, there is a predominance of destructive behavior patterns in conflict situations, which complicates the effective implementation of project tasks. Conflicts are caused by managerial and communication dysfunctions, with key contributing factors including leadership style, low awareness among project participants, an imperfect documentation system, and the specifics of project tasks. Effective resolution of these problems requires the implementation of a comprehensive conflict management system based on the principles of systematicity, prevention, transparency, participation, adaptive leadership, and open communication. Prospects for further research relate to the development of applied mechanisms for implementing such a system and assessing its effectiveness in the complex and dynamic environment of the oil and gas industry.

KEYWORDS: conflict; project; conflict management; project management; operational activities; petroleum company.