Evaluation on the Effects of Workplace Conflicts Management Strategies to the Performance of Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

Abstract

The main objective of this study was based on evaluation on the effects of workplace conflicts management strategies to the performance of local government authorities in Tanzania: a case of Arusha city council. The study involved three specific objectives to attain the main objective which are; to examine sources of workplace conflicts in local government authorities in Tanzania, to assess the impacts of workplace conflicts on performance of local government authorities in Tanzania and to evaluate Conflicts management strategies employed in local government authorities in Tanzania: The study adopted descriptive design as helped the researcher determine and analyzes relationships between variables as well as generates predictions and mixed research approach (qualitative and quantitative) was used. The study was conducted at Arusha Region specifically at Arusha City Council where the total number of populations included 203 city employees from different department through which a sample size of 135 was selected through purposive and stratified random sampling technique. Closed questionnaires and open interview were used for collection of primary data whereas secondary data was collected through documentary reviews. Data was analyzed by using the Correlation and descriptive analysis technique. The study found that competitions for resources, task interdependence, overlapping of responsibilities, status difference among individuals, communication barriers and individual differences such as behaviors, goals, expectations and values are common sources of workplace conflicts at Arusha city council however, it has been found that employees know about workplace conflicts management strategies, workplace conflicts management strategies are well applied at ACC. Regular staff meeting, Conflict avoidances, Conflict compromises and Conflict Bargaining can be used as techniques to control conflicts at ACC. The study recommends that, there should be transparency and accountability during execution of their duties and entire business in the council so as to avoid friction on mistrust among them