Management of Interpersonal Conflict Involving Principals and Teachers of Selected Public Secondary Schools in Nigeria

Abstract

This study identified factors that contribute to interpersonal conflicts between secondary school teachers and principals in Nigeria. It likewise explores the effects of interpersonal conflict on achievement of students in school and on success of the school. Suggestions were made for conflict management programmes and potential strategies for adoption in order to promote and sustain an encouraging and productive interpersonal relationship between teachers and principals. A sample size consisting of 123 teachers and 8 principals were used. Descriptive statistics applied in the analysis of data collected. It was found that though there were healthy physical environment in the schools, incidence competition for limited resources was low, interpersonal conflicts were mainly caused by intergroup and interpersonal relations. It was also found that personnel practices, work structure, management issues, tribal and ethnic differences and issues of ethic