Conflict Management in Basic Schools: The Case of K.N.U.S.T Junior High School, Kumasi Metropolis

ABSTRACT 

The thrust of the study was mainly to identify the various types of conflicts among teachers in K.N.U.S.T. J.H.S. The focus is on the causes of conflicts and how they are resolved to mitigate their effect on teaching and learning and to also suggest conflict resolution strategies to reduce conflict in basic schools. The target population for the study comprised the head teacher and teachers of K.N.U.S.T. Junior High school in the Kumasi Metropolis, The school has total staff strength of 86, made up of 26 females and 60 males including the head and his two deputies. The study adopted the mixed methods research design approach in order to be able to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The data which was collected by means of two sets of validated questionnaires and a structured interview schedule was duly analysed and the results presented in the form of tables and percentages. Based on the findings of the study, it was revealed that task conflict was the dominant conflict experienced by the teachers. Again, administrative incompetence of head teachers and indiscipline (on the part of both teachers and students) lead to the conflict among teachers. It was recommended that Government should be more sensitive to teachers' welfare, increase motivation through remuneration, materials and facilities should be provided fully in public schools to reduce the conflict among teachers. The Regional and District Directorate should organize seminars and orientation for head teachers for effective schools’ administration. School authorities should motivate teachers, encourage staff professional development, communicating affectively with staff and also use effective conflicts resolution methods. Courses in conflict management and human relations should be included in the curriculum for teachers in training as a way of preparing them for conflict management in school administration.