Conflict Resolution Strategies and Effective Management of Public Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on conflict resolution strategies and the effective management of public secondary schools in Delta State, Nigeria. The study used a descriptive research method. The research population consisted of 473 principals and 14,482 teachers from 473 public high schools in Delta. Using simple random sampling, the sample size was 50 principals and 250 teachers. This study was based on two research questions and two hypotheses. A questionnaire developed by the researcher was used as a data collection tool. The mean and standard deviation were used to answer the study questions, and the hypotheses were tested using a Z-test with a significance level of 0.05, whereas the acceptance level scale was 2.50 for the research questions. The results indicate that conflict resolution strategies for effective management of secondary schools include adaptation and avoidance approaches. One recommendation based on the results was that school leaders should identify the true causes and nature of conflict before using available conflict management strategies. Governments should include conflict management training in teacher education curricula.