An assessment of conflict management strategies and their effectiveness in public universities: a case study of the university of Zambia.
Date
2022-06-30
Authors
Zgambo, Emmanuel Wharobs
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Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess conflict management strategies and their effectiveness in public universities: a case study of the University of Zambia (UNZA). The objectives that guided this study were to; establish the causes of conflict at UNZA, identify strategies used by the University of Zambia in conflict management and determine the effectiveness of various conflict management strategies used at UNZA. The study employed a non -mixed method descriptive design which involved only qualitative method. Purposive sampling techniques were used to come up with a population of 21 respondents, that is, 3 principle officers, ten shop stewards and 8 union representatives. Data was collected using an interview guide and analysed using thematic methods. The study findings reviewed that among the causes of conflicts were attitudes towards each other, belonging to different political affiliations, poor negotiation skills for workers‟ salaries and poor conditions of service. Conflicts led to low productivity and time was greatly wasted in the quest to deal with conflicts. Concurrently, conflict management strategies utilized by the institution were found to be collaborative efforts, negotiating workers payments and accommodating were some of strategies which were found to be effective in curtailing conflicts at the institution. Finally, it was established that inefficient conflict management costed UNZA‟s time and resources which have led to poor performance of the institution. Conflicts do not only negatively affect the performance but they also positively bring out constructive ideas. Finally, harmonious relationships were encouraged as most participants commented that conflict must be well managed.
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Keywords
Communication in organizations. , Conflict management. , Conflict management strategies--Public universities.