Abstract:
The study investigated conflict management in senior high schools in the Ahafo-Ano
District and its implications on educational administration. A sample size of 162
including head teachers and teachers and non-teaching staff were selected for the
study. A descriptive survey design was employed which focused on the administering
of closed ended questionnaires. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was
Cronbach Alfa of 0.78. Data was analysed by means of disruptive statistics of
frequencies and percentages. The study established that autocratic style of leadership,
poor communication, favouritism 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, finally, the study
identified a range of strategies including regular staff meetings, free flow of
information 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 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. Finally, Heads should also encourage dialogue between
and among conflicting parties.
Description:
A Project Report in the Department of Educational Leadership, Faculty of
Education and Communication Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate
Studies, University of Education, Winneba, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for award of the Master of Arts (Educational Leadership) degree