Conflict Management Practices among Academic Library Staff: The Mediating Role of Organisational Culture

Abstract

Purpose: The study assessed the situation of conflict management practices among academic library staff leveraging on the role of organisational culture. The study leverage on causes of conflict among academic library staff, influence of conflict on the performance of academic library staff, conflict resolution practices available for academic library staff and relationship between conflict management and organisational culture of academic libraries. Methodology: Pertinent literature was reviewed per the research questions and supported by a relevant theory. The study was limited to selected technical universities in Ghana and focused mainly on library staff as the population. Out of 44 copies of questionnaire distributed to the library staff, 41 copies were retrieved. This represented a response rate of 93% of the valid sample size. SmartPLS3 was used to analyze the data collected. All the variables tested indicated a significantly positive relationship. Findings: The study established that the root cause of conflict emanates from poor communication, unclear policies and unclear definitions of roles, leadership styles, unequal distribution of work schedules among others. The research also brought to bear that conflict could influence the performance of an individual either positively or negatively such as teamwork, reduction in job satisfaction, creatively, low morale and productivity, efficiency and quality of work. The study further revealed that conflict resolution measures available were formal procedures, all party discussion, open communication, interpersonal communication as well as fairness in conflict situation. The study recommended among others that improving employee performance and organisational effectiveness requires addressing conflict issues. The study recommended among others that improving employee performance and organisational effectiveness requires addressing conflict issues. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge on conflict management practices among working individuals in academic libraries. The research provides evidence of the influence of conflict among the working class in academic institutions especially libraries.