Journal of Harmonized Research in Management

DETERMINING CAUSES OF CONFLICTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON STUDENTS? ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN KISUMU CITY, KENYA

Abstract

Author(s): Okoth, Elizabeth, A., M.Edu and Dr. Yambo, Onyango

Conflict management strategies are fundamental to peaceful coexistence in any organization. Conflicts are inevitable, and can spring from miscommunication, unmet expectations, and feelings that one's contributions has not been acknowledged: in fact conflicts seldom have a simple cause. The objective of this article was to determine the causes of conflicts in secondary schools and their influence on students’ academic achievement in Kisumu city, Kenya. Guided by the contingency theory of management, the study was conducted through cross sectional survey research design. Data was collected by the researcher from 382 students and 265 teachers in secondary schools in Kisumu city, using questionnaires and interview techniques. Data was analyzed using percentages, means and standard deviations, and reported in tables and figures. The findings were that the main cause of conflict was personality differences 191 (51.57%) as reported by the respondents. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education and the TSC conduct regular management training seminars to educate teachers on the verity of conflict management strategies and their strengths and weaknesses as well as where and when they can be used.