CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN SOME SELECTED JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE PRU DISTRICT OF BRONG AHAFO REGION

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to look into the issue of conflict management in ten selected Junior High Schools in the Pru District of Brong Ahafo Region. Literature was reviewed to put the matter of conflict management into high perspective. The study researched into kinds of conflict that exist in Junior High Schools in Pru  District, Junior High School teachers perception of conflicts in schools, the causes of conflicts in Junior High Schools and how conflicts are managed in Junior High Schools in Pru  District. The study used the qualitative framework to gather data and also used the same framework to analyse the data. The accessible population was made up of 50 from the ten selected junior high schools. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 head teachers and teachers from participating schools, three circuit supervisors and two high ranking officers from Pru District Education Office. The instrument used for the study was semi structured interview. The researcher distributed the semi-structured interview and questionnaire after permission have been given by the heads of the various junior high schools. The qualitative data collected was analysed using content analysis. The study found among others that conflict exists in schools and that not all conflicts are bad. The study also revealed that the most prevalent conflicts in Junior High Schools in the Pru District are conflicts between teachers and head teachers. The study recommended that people in management positions like head teachers should find prudent means of solving conflict as and when they arise and that they should do it on time to prevent conflict from escalating. The study also recommended that the capacity of school head teachers should be built to equip them with skills and techniques in handling conflict situations. This according to the study would prevent the many conflicts in schools in the Pru District.