This study is aimed at investigating the various strategies adopted by principals of secondary schools in Imo State in handling conflicts. Four research questions and three hypothesis guided the conduct of the study. Questionnaire was used to collect relevant data from three educational zones out of the six educational zones of the state. 720 teachers were randomly selected. T-test statistics was employed to test each hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that various levels of conflicts exist in secondary schools. They include intra-personal, inter-personal, community related and inter-organizational conflicts. The most prevalent level of conflict is intra-personal, inter-personal and intra-unit/departmental. The study revealed that the conflict management strategies that are regularly used by principals are dialogue, communication and disciplinary committee. While those that are rarely used are avoidance and third party. School location influences principals choice of management strategies. On the other hand, gender has no significant difference in principals choice of conflict management strategies. In view of this, it was among others recommended that to reduce conflicts in schools, the ministry of education and the secondary education Management Board could train school principals in the acquisition and proper adoption of conflict management strategies. The suggested training could take the form of conferences, seminars, and workshops on the subject matter from time to time.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page i
Approval Page ii
Certification iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgments v
Table of Contents vi
List of Tables ix
Abstract x
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study 1
Statement of the Problem 7
Purpose of the Study 9
Scope of the Study 9
Significant of the Study 10
Research Questions 11
Hypothesis 1
CHAPTER TWO:
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual Framework 13
Theoretical Framework 52
Empirical Studies 56
Summary of Literature Review 65
CHAPTER THREE: METHOD
Design of the Study 68
Area of the Study 68
Population of the Study 69
Sample and Sampling Techniques 70
Instrument for Data Collection 71
Validation of the Instrument 71
Reliability of the Instrument 72
Method of Data Collection 72
Method of Data Analysis 73
CHAPTER FOUR:
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
Summary of the Findings 83
CHAPTER FIVE:
DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Discussion of Findings 85
Conclusions 90
Implications of the Study 90
Recommendations 92
Limitations of the Study 94
Suggestion for Further Studies 95
References 96
Appendices 101
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Mean and Rank order of levels of conflict 74
Table 2: Mean and rank order of conflict management strategies 76
Table 3: Mean and rank order of the influence of school location 77
Table 4: Mean and rank order of conflict management strategies of
male and female principals. 79
Table 5: T-test analysis of the response of teachers on the levels of
conflict that exist in secondary schools in Imo State. 81
Table 6: T-test of teacher's response in the conflict managemen strategies found among secondary schools in urban and rural areas in Imo State. 82
Table 7: T-test of teachers on conflict management strategies of male
and female principals in Imo state secondary schools. 82
