Influence of Individual Psychological Characteristics on Workplace Relationships among Church Workers in the ELCT Morogoro Church District, Tanzania

Author

Christina Ansidor Killa

Abstract

 This study examined the influence of individual psychological characteristics on workplace relationships among church workers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Morogoro Church District. The study was guided by Attachment Theory and employed a qualitative phenomenological research design to explore workers’ lived experiences of interpersonal relationships within the Church District. Data were collected from 13 purposively selected participants comprising pastors, evangelists, parish workers and the Dean through semi-structured individual interviews and one focus group discussion. Data were collected in Kiswahili, audio-recorded with participants’ consent, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) approach. The findings generated two major themes: leadership practices as determinants of workplace relationships and breakdown of trust and interpersonal relationships. Participants reported that perceived unfairness, favouritism and exclusion from decision-making were associated with feelings of rejection, insecurity, disappointment and mistrust. These psychological responses were reflected in avoidance, emotional distancing, reduced cooperation and interpersonal division. The findings further showed that when interpersonal trust deteriorated, workers became hesitant to communicate openly and less willing to collaborate with colleagues. The study concludes that workplace relationships among church workers are shaped not only by organisational circumstances but also by workers’ psychological responses and relational experiences. The study recommends fair and transparent leadership, inclusive decision-making, early conflict resolution, active listening and deliberate efforts to rebuild interpersonal trust among church workers.

Keywords

Individual psychological characteristics, workplace relationships, interpersonal trust, emotional responses, church workers, phenomenology, Tanzania.

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References

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