Title: Conflict And Principals' Management Strategies In Kwara State Public Senior Secondary Schools, Nigeria.
Authors: Mary Oluwabukola Faremi, Wasiu Mayowa Oyerinde, Biliqis Olanike Dauda
Volume: 9
Issue: 4
Pages: 124-130
Publication Date: 2025/04/28
Abstract:
This study investigated the correlation between conflict and the management strategies employed by principals in public senior secondary schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive correlational survey design was employed to collect data from 320 respondents, which included 40 principals, 200 teachers, and 80 students from 40 randomly selected schools across six Local Government Areas: Offa, Ekiti, Oyun, Oke-Ero, Ilorin South, and Ilorin West. The "Conflict and Principals' Management Strategies Questionnaire" (CPMSQ) was utilised as the main data collection tool, with reliability confirmed via a test-retest approach. Hypotheses were evaluated through Pearson Product Moment Correlation with a significance threshold of 0.05. The results indicate notable correlations between the misappropriation of school funds (r = 0.50, p < 0.05), staff and student indiscipline (r = 0.61, p < 0.05), teachers' negligence of duties (r = 0.60, p < 0.05), and inadequate conditions of service (r = 0.39, p < 0.05) and the conflict management strategies employed by principals. This study highlights the efficacy of strategies including dialogue, facilitation, conflict resolution committees, and broadened decision-making in tackling these issues. The mean score of principals' conflict management strategies (25.78) consistently surpassed the mean scores related to the identified conflict factors, indicating a positive influence. The research indicates that conflicts arising from service conditions, negligence, and indiscipline substantially obstruct educational objectives, highlighting the necessity for effective conflict management strategies. Recommendations involve the enhancement of communication networks, the improvement of service conditions, and the organisation of regular conflict resolution seminars for stakeholders. The measures are designed to enhance the learning environment and improve school management in Kwara State.