CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF PRACTICALS AS PERCEIVED BY TEACHERS (EDUCATION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
ABSTRACT
This study is aimed at investigating the various strategies adopted by principals of secondary schools in Imo State in handling conflicts. Four research questions and three hypothesis guided the conduct of the study. Questionnaire was used to collect relevant data from three educational zones out of the six educational zones of the state. 720 teachers were randomly selected. T-test statistics was employed to test each hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that various levels of conflicts exist in secondary schools. They include, intra-personal, inter-personal, community related and inter-organizational conflicts. The most prevalent level of conflict are intra-personal, inter-personal and intra-unit/departmental. The study revealed that the conflict management strategies that are regularly used by principals are dialogue, communication and disciplinary committee. While those that are rarely used are avoidance and third party. School location influences principals choice of management strategies. On the other hand, gender has no significant difference in principals choice of conflict management strategies. In view of this, it was among others recommended that to reduce conflicts in schools, the ministry of education and the secondary education Management Board could train school principals in the acquisition and proper adoption of conflict management strategies. The suggested training could take the form of conferences, seminars and workshops on the subject matter from time to time.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
The human society is full of events, on the course of these events among human beings, conflict occurs. In the well managed organization and economics of the world today, certainly conflict arises. The school is a formal, educational organization made up of different person with diverse interest, many of which conflict with the school or institutions set goals and objectives.
Conflict is a common social phenomenon which occurs in human society of which the school is a part of. In a secondary school system, the principal is the head of the institution. Principal and other managers while performing their duties may find themselves stepping into the shoes of their subjects which lead to conflict. Kenan (2013) conflicts are normal in any organization, because people have different opinions, while some individuals cannot accept other peoples different opinion which leads to conflict.
Onwurah & Oboegbulem (2011) sees conflict as common occurrences in life. They are inevitable in all organizations, educational institutions inclusive. They involve human beings with varied interests, goal and aspirations. Conflict is therefore a social problem. Ughamadu (2008) defined conflict as a “disagreement over and issue, sometimes such disagreement may be, positive or negative whichever way. Whether in the family, Industrial, national or international setting, it is normal occurrence in human relations, because the society or mankind needs to disagree in order to agree”. Based on the fore going definitions, that conflict is a normal occurrence in human relations, it could breed positive or negative change and as such management of conflict comes in to playa role.
Obi (2012) viewed conflict as and inevitable and inherent in all inter department relationships. Conflicts usually reflect the diversity and complexity of human societies, and are not necessarily a dysfunctional experience. It is an unavoidable social phenomenon which is an integral part of human existence. Over the decades ago, the ideas of conflict have been discussed in phases. However three fundamental theories have been digested and accepted for their analysis on the issue. They represented as follow:-
