Conflict management practices in senior high schools in the Akuapem south municipality of eastern region of Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the conflict management practices of headmasters in senior high schools in the Akuapem South District. The specific objectives of the study were to: find the common types of conflict in the schools, causes of conflicts and how the headmasters managed conflicts that occurred in the schools. The study further sought to examine the effective techniques applied by the headmasters in resolving conflicts in the schools. Five senior high schools were studied in the Akuapem south Municipality. In all 214 respondents were involved in the study. The research design used in this study was descriptive survey. Data was collected using questionnaire and a follow-up interview schedule. The statistical methods used in the analysis were frequencies and percentages. The major findings of the study were the following: communication gap and subordinates shirking their responsibilities were the main causes of conflict between the headmasters and their staff in the Municipality. The win-win, co-operative and confirming approach to conflict resolution were mostly administered by the headmasters. The approaches contributed greatly in reducing conflict in the schools. Headmasters and teachers must collaborate and co-operate greatly to create congenial and moderating work environment for improved, effective and efficient work performance in the senior high schools in the Municipality. Such environment would minimize or eliminate undue tension, rivalry, biases as well as mistrust and suspicious tendencies among staff members.