Conflict management in public senior high schools in the Kpando municipality perceived effects on educational administration

Abstract

The study investigated conflict management in public senior high schools in the Kpando Municipality: implications on educational administration. The objectives of the study were to examine the causes of conflict in senior high schools in the Kpando Municipality, assess the effects of conflict on public senior high schools in the Kpando Municipality and to explore the strategies adopted in managing conflict in public senior high schools in the Kpando Municipality and to make appropriate recommendations. In doing so, sample size of 170 including head teachers and teachers were selected for the study out of a target population of 269. A Likert survey design was employed which focused on the administering of closed ended questionnaires. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was Cronbach alpha of 0.78. Data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages. The study established that autocratic style of leadership, favoritism in appointments to key positions and power struggle were the main causes of conflicts in senior high schools. The study further revealed that conflicts can result in break in healthy communication, divisiveness and bitterness, suspicion and mistrust. Finally, the study identified a range of strategies including regular staff meetings, free flow of information, and dialogue with conflicting parties and the involvement of all teachers in decision-making which were employed by headmasters to manage conflicts. It is therefore recommended that the Ghana Education Service should organize In-service training for teachers and heads of schools on conflict identification and management. Educational administrators should communicate transparently and practice fairness so that they can create trust and good relationships among staff.