An Assessment of Interpersonal Conflict and Practices of Management Strategies among Higher Education Institution Students: The Case of Bonga University

Abstract

Public HEIs in Ethiopia have been conducting their teaching and learning activities with highly challenging security problems in the past years. Under this background, this study was conducted to examine causes of interpersonal conflict and strategies of conflict management that students apply in resolving conflict at Bonga University. Mixed research approach with descriptive research design was employed to conduct the study. The primary data was gathered from sampled 3 Colleges and 10 Departments through survey. The findings of this study revealed that participants of the study practiced Thomas and Killmanss five conflict handling strategies (avoidance, accommodation, competing, collaboration and compromising) in resolving their interpersonal conflict among student in university. The findings from the study revealed that majority of the respondents on average (66.1%) use avoidance (withdrawal) for resolving interpersonal conflict among student in their University. Most causes of interpersonal conflict in university compound are spillover effect of external i.e. politically motivated which is unimportant for student’s success in their academic life. Therefore, student’s Avoidance conflict preference strategy as a primary conflict management style seems logical. Next to avoidance, (48.2%) of the participants have preferred collaborating as interpersonal conflict management strategy in the university. Collaboration leads to creative problem-solving and respect amongst students in University with sustainable peace. The third strategy preferred by respondent (46.5%) were competing and students used it when they want quick, decisive action needed, important but unpopular issues are at stake and where there is not “right” way. However, this strategy has negative side in that it is putting one student/group needs above the needs of others Compromising strategy is the fourth preferred by participant of (30.7%) on average. Accommodation strategy, though it is their last preference by participant of (29.4%) i.e. the findings revealed a significant number of students have preferred it to limit damage of continued conflict.