Conflict management practices among three selected senior high schools in Accra Metro, Greater Accra Region

Abstract

This study investigates conflict management practices in selected senior high schools in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study examines conflict management practices, the factors that influence conflict management and the challenges that are experienced in managing conflict in senior high schools in the Greater Accra Region to achieve institutional performance. The study used exploratory design using qualitative approach to generate data from the primary and secondary sources. The study population comprises all the teaching staff of three selected senior high schools in Greater Accra. Out of this population, a sample of fifty-two participants were selected through purposive sampling technique. The data collection instruments were interview guide and observation checklist. Content analysis was used in analyzing the data collected. The findings show that, the integrating style of managing conflict was the most widely used conflict management style in the senior high schools in Greater Accra Region. This integrating style placed more emphasis on high concern for self and others as well. The main influencing factor in managing conflict in institutions was the culture of an organization. The major challenge encountered in managing conflict was lack of cooperation on the part of the two parties. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, it was recommended that, the authorities should be given appropriate training on conflict management, should vary their leadership approach on the problem they are dealing with, as well as given special training on the proper way of managing conflict through internal meeting and seminars.