An investigation into conflict management mechanisms in the administration of the faculties of the University of Cape Coast

Abstract

The study was an investigation into conflict management mechanisms in the administration of the faculties of the University of Cape Coast. The population was made up of Senior Members and Senior Support Staff of five faculties of the University of Cape Coast. In all, the study had a population of 695 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 189 respondents representing 27% of the population. The study was guided by five research questions which centered on the causes of conflict, types of conflict, conflict management mechanisms and the effectiveness of the conflict management mechanisms in the faculties of the University of Cape Coast. The study revealed that personality differences, competition over limited resources, differences in perceptions and task interdependence were the prevailing causes of conflict in the faculties. Also, relationship conflict and structural conflict were the prevailing types of conflicts that occurred in the faculties. In addition, the collaboration and compromise styles of conflict management were the prevailing and the most preferred conflict management mechanisms employed. The study recommended that there should be periodical seminars or workshops on conflict management mechanisms organized for the staff of the University of Cape Coast.