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Article Title:
A study of the Prevalence of Conflicts among Employees of Selected Tertiary Institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria
by Adeosun K.G., Onifade C.A., Sodiya C.I., Fapojuwo E.O., AbionaB.J.

Abstract:
This study investigated the causes and consequences of conflicts among employees of selected tertiary institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria. The selected institutions were the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Tai-Solarin University of Education, Ijagun and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, which were purposively chosen based on the type of degrees/certificates awarded by them. Simple random sampling technique was adopted to select 348 employees from these institutions and a structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools including Chi-square tests and regression analysis. The study revealed that part of the causes of conflicts among workers were differences in perception on certain issues (52.9%), lack of cooperation/teamwork among workers (41.0%) and unclear job description (41.9%). Perceived consequences of conflicts as indicated by the respondents were job dissatisfaction (59.6%), emotional depression (57.4%) and lack of co-operation among staff (52.9%). This result showed that conflict has been part of human experience from centuries nevertheless it performs a healing function in different organizations. Based on this, the study took conscious assessment of some selected tertiary institutions in Ogun State in order to ascertain the causes and consequences of conflicts emergence among the employees of the institutions. Clear understanding of the conflict could be analysed for development of workable resolution strategies which in turn could ensure a good working atmosphere for the staff and better organizational performance. Failure to take assessment of the conflicts in tertiary institutions implies that employees of the institutions would be working under tensed atmosphere with resultant loss of focus, less job satisfaction and ultimately poor organisational performance. In order to prevent the possible tense working environment in the Nigeria Tertiary Institutions, the research focused on identification of the causes and the consequences of the conflicts in the selected tertiary institutions because the nature and type of such conflict will determine the best resolution or management strategies to be used in handling the ensuing conflicts. It is hoped that the research would be useful to administrators of tertiary institutions, staff, students and the general public in providing useful insight on the causes and consequences of conflict among employees in their respective institutions. This knowledge is considered essential in order to foster peaceful and conducive atmosphere for employees in tertiary institutions.

Keywords: social relations, organizational conflicts, social system, conflicts management

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