Conflict and Conflict Resolution between Administrative and Teaching Staffs Selected Schools in Winneba: The Role of Effective Communication

Abstract

Conflict is inevitable in our human society due to the continuous interaction between people. The same occurs between administrative and teaching staff in schools as a result of their close interaction. This study explored how effective communication could be employed to resolve conflicts between administrative and teaching staff in two selected private senior high schools in Winneba. The study employed mixed method approach with the exploratory design to analyze and interpreted the conflicts that arise between administrators and teachers. Quota, simple random and purposive sampling approaches were used to select the respondents. Questionnaires and semi- structured interview guide were used to collect data for the study. The findings of the study revealed that conflicts exist between the administrators and teachers in the schools and such arises due to problems of communication. Staff meetings are the major means of communication between these two groups but social media use is also becoming a popular means of communication. Effective communication in the form of dialogue and negotiation can best help to resolve the conflict between teachers and administrators in the schools. It was concluded that lack of effective communication, and limited avenues for teachers to express their grievances, as well as poor feedback result in conflicts in the schools. Regular interaction through intensifying staff meeting and one-to-one communication can help resolve school conflicts. It was therefore recommended that workshops on effective communication should be organized for teachers and administrative staff to improve on their communication skills.