Conflict management in Seventh-day Adventist boarding schools in East Zimbabwe Conference

Abstract

The research dealt with the causes of conflict in Adventist boarding schools in East Zimbabwe Conference and how it could be managed. The data for the study were collected through a structured questionnaire on the causes of conflicts and conflict resolution methods as well as an interview schedule. The questionnaire which was of the five point Likert scale of Always to Never was used for data collection. The questionnaire was both face and content validated and a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.783 was obtained following a pilot study. The questionnaire was administered to 75 respondents made up of administrators and staff. The data collected were analyzed quantitative and the qualitative methods. The questionnaire was analysed using the quantitative method. The data collected were coded and analysed using the descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. Graphical representation of data such as pie chart and bar graphs were also used. The descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were used. The results were presented in tables and graphs. The study revealed that poor communication, leadership style and poor conditions of work were often causes of conflict in Adventist boarding schools while the conflict resolution methods often used were consultations and dialogue. As a way of addressing the problem, a fellowship program was carried out in one of the boarding schools. After the seminar presentation an evaluation form was issued out to assess the effectiveness of the program and the responses indicated that such a seminar on conflict management in Seventh-day Adventist boarding schools would reduce conflicts. Based on the findings it was recommended that workshops and seminars on conflict management be conducted periodically for administrators and staff in Seventh-day Adventist institutions.