Conflict management mechanisms in the administration of Cape Coast Polytechnic

Abstract

Cape Coast Polytechnic, like any other organization, is likely to encounter conflict. This survey identified causes and types of conflict among the Cape Coast Polytechnic staff and examined the conflict management techniques employed in managing it. The sample of this study was made of one hundred and fifteen respondents selected from various departments of Cape Coast Polytechnic. A validated questionnaire and interview guide were designed and administered to collect data on the occurrence of conflict and conflict management strategies. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings revealed that personality incompatibility, poor communication, inadequate resources, power struggle, role ambiguity, time pressure, favourtism and competition are responsible for conflict in Cape Coast Polytechnic. Again, the study revealed that management most often employed dominance and supervision methods like forcing, coercing which created a winlose situation in which the loser ended up being disappointed and hostile. Such conflict management mechanisms, it was realized, never kept dysfunctional conflict at an appreciable level but rather, tended to resurface itself in another dimension. Based on the findings, it is recommended that management of Cape Coast Polytechnic needs to give prompt attention to addressing causes of conflicts. The use of dialogue in resolving conflicts should be embraced. Again it is recommended that management of Cape Coast Polytechnic should assist heads of departments or concerned parties to re-examine conflict situations. Ideally, management should both be willing to look at the situation from the other’s point of view. It further recommended that management should try as much as possible to discourage victimization in the Polytechnic. Polytechnic staff should rather be encouraged to give of their best. A complaints desk could be established in the Polytechnic to look into issues of victimization before they explode into serious conflicts. Such an avenue will serve as an early warning system.