Conflict in schools causes and management strategies in selected secondary schools in Luvuvhu Circuit, Vhembe District Municipality

Abstract

This study is based on the assessment of conflict in schools, causes and management strategies in selected schools in Luvuvhu Circuit, Vhembe East District. Schools are prone to conflict and breakdown in communication especially in an age where all role players are aware of their rights. School based conflict can be ignited by number of aspects. Yet school principals as managers, are expected to be able to creatively address conflicts in their schools. The study employed mixed methods wherein both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Qualitative approach was considered in the study because it permits openness to ideas, opinions and views expressed by the research participants to the research during data collection. The study used quantitative method to get results from many respondents. The study used pragmatic paradigm. The research design of the study was descriptive and contextual. The study used non-probability and its subtype purposive sampling method in order to choose suitable respondents for the study. The study used sample group of participants in the study who were used was more relevant to the study. The study used questionnaires and interview as methods of collecting data. For the data collected through questionnaires, the researcher used International Business Machinery (IBM) Statistical Product in Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics V25. The researcher followed research ethics before conducting the study. The major findings of the study are:  The study found out that thirty eight (38) participants who constitute (42.2 %) revealed that they have proper classroom management.  The study found out that the majority of the respondents at 37 who constitute 41.1% agree that there is diversity at schools.  The researcher found out that the majority of the respondents at 37 who constitute 41.1 % of the participants in the study agree that there is a healthy working relationships at schools.  The researcher found out that lack of trustworthy, self-centeredness and lack of team spirit are causes of conflict.  The researcher found out that the common types of conflict are interpersonal, personality, leadership and intra-group conflict. v  The study found out that strong team building, spirit of trustworthy; selfesteem and self -confidence are importance of conflict in secondary schools The main recommendations are:  The researcher recommends that secondary schools should have proper class-room in order to promote teaching and learning. The Department of Education should take it upon itself to try and give support. It is the responsibility of the Department of Education and the Government to build proper classroom to proper conducive environment.  The researcher recommends that diversity management should be promoted at schools.  The researcher recommends that there should be adequate resources to enhance good working relationship with fellow co-workers. It is, therefore the responsibility of the Government and the Department of Education to support school with adequate resources such as libraries.  The researcher recommends stakeholders should trust and respect one another and have team spirit to try and limit conflicts in their work environment to enhance healthy working relationship.  The researcher recommends confrontational approach, listening to both parties, consultation and democratic approaches as the best conflict management approaches.  The researcher recommends reconciliation and withdrawal approaches as the best mediation approach to use in secondary schools.