CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES OF UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out, the types, causes of conflict and management techniques of resolving conflicts by university administrators. It was a descriptive research design of the survey type which aimed at eliciting information from the university administrators. The administrators include the ViceChancellors, Deputy - Vice Chancellors (Academic and Administration) Registrars, Librarians, Bursars, Heads of Departments, Deans of Faculties, and Postgraduate schools, Directors of programmes and services, A sample of four universities selected through stratified random sampling was used for the study. This comprised two state universities and two federal universities. Five research questions were raised and answered. Questionnaires were distributed to four hundred respondents to elicit information on conflict management strategies of University Administrators. The study identified common types and causes of conflict between academic staff and professional administrators, students and Administrators. Appropriate management strategies to minimize conflict in Nigeria universities were identified. Recommendations were made on how to maintain peace among the university
administrators, Academic staff and students for effective administration.