Management Of Staff Conflicts In University Of Cape Coast Library

Abstract

Despite the apparent silence of librarians on the issue of conflict, conflict is alive in libraries as in other complex organisations. Peace and agreement among staff of libraries are required in order to provide efficient service to patrons and also guarantee the survival of libraries in Ghana This study set out to investigate how conflicts are managed among the staff of University of Cape Coast library. The study assessed the common sources of conflict, types of conflict, and the positive and negative effects of conflict on the performance of library staff. The study employed descriptive research design and used questionnaire to collect data from 64 respondents who were drawn from various sections and units of the library. The questionnaires were all retrieved for analysis. Tables, frequencies, and percentages were used to analyze and present the data. Five conflict management approaches were reviewed and discussed. The main results of the study were that conflict existed among staff, and the management techniques mostly employed were accommodation, compromising and collaboration. The study revealed power struggle, communication barrier, and poor rewarding system as the major causes of conflict, and that conflict have both negative and positive effects on the library. The study recommended that in order to enhance the management of conflicts among library staff, management should ensure equitable distribution of resources, open up their lines of communication and discourage aggressive competition for positions in the library. Rules and regulations regarding promotions and other rewarding systems should be properly spelt out.