Hierarchical Labour Conflicts in Healthcare Settings: Perceptions of Subordinates and Superiors at the Muhala-Expansao Health Centre, Nampula

Hierarchical labour conflicts are a ubiquitous phenomenon in healthcare organisations, with direct impacts on organizational climate, functional interdependence, and care quality.This study assessed the effects of hierarchical labour conflicts as perceived by subordinates and superiors at the Muhala-Expansão Health Centre (CSME), Nampula, Mozambique, using a mixed-methods descriptive design.The population comprised 247 employees, with a calculated sample of 151 (95% confidence; 5% margin of error); 236 respondents ultimately participated.Four validated instruments were administered: a Demographic and Conflict Perception Questionnaire (QDC), an Organizational Health Perception Scale (EPSaO), a Task Interdependence Scale (EIT), and an Outcome Interdependence Scale (EIR).Data were analysed descriptively (SPSS v.25) and through thematic content analysis.Results showed that 68% of conflicts occur between staff and management, with felt conflict predominating (52%).Organizational health scored a mean of 3.75 (EPSaO), indicating partial integration, while a critical imbalance was observed between high task interdependence (EIT = 4.87) and low outcome interdependence (EIR = 2.04).The Nursing sector concentrated the highest tension indices.The findings indicate that differentiated perception across hierarchical levels amplifies conflict and compromises organizational cohesion, and that effective management requires a holistic approach centred on communication, equity, and empathetic leadership training.