Journal of Global Peace and Conflict

The Effectiveness Debate: An Assessment of the Strategies Used in Handling Students-Management Conflicts by the University for Development Studies from 1999 to 2009
John Yaw Akparep

Abstract
The paper investigated the strategies used in handling students-management conflicts at the University for Development Studies from 1999 to 2009. Data collection was done with questionnaires and interview guide. Forty respondents participated in the study. Data were analyzed qualitatively. The study found that the University relied mainly on forcing/domination in handling students-management conflicts. Other frequently used strategies were: ignoring, the suspension and/or dissolution of students‘ unions and their executives and rustication or threat of rustication of student leaders. Integration and negotiated compromises, the closure of the University and the use of security forces (police) to maintain law and order were also used but rarely so. It was established that none of the strategies used was very effective. Just one was effective yet rarely used. Also, one was moderately effective but rarely used too. The strategies used were more regulatory and repressive. Therefore, the overall assessment of the strategies used by the University in handling the students-management conflicts was that they were less effective. The study recommended that students be given fair representation in conflict analysis and management. Also, the University should rely more on cooperative strategies and very less if at all, on regulatory and repressive strategies in handling students-management conflicts.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jgpc.v10n1a1