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.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Educational Leadership, Faculty of Education
and Communication Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,
Akenten Appiah- Menkah University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development,
Kumasi, in partial Fulfilment of the requirements for award of the Master of Arts
(Educational Leadership) Degree.