An assessment of the conflict resolution mechanisms in use by Ghanaian public universities

Institutional conflicts that are rooted in history are a global phenomenon, and Ghanaian public universities (GPUs) are no exception. To resolve these varied and sometimes complex occurrences, individuals and systems within academic spaces have tended to apply multifaceted mechanisms, ranging from simple Alternative Dispute Resolutions strategies (ADRs) such as negotiation to complex judicial adjudication processes. This study assesses the use of these mechanisms within Ghanaian public universities, with specific reference to a Ghanaian public university anonymized in this study as GPU1 within the context of confidentiality. Underpinned by an interpretative philosophical model, an exploratory case study design was adopted using a qualitative methodological approach that involved 20 participants who were purposively selected based on their knowledge on the subject area, or in very limited circumstances randomly selected. Amongst other things the study revealed that the conflicts within campuses are both internally and externally generated, in terms of their causations. Further, many of the conflicts have devastating effects that sometimes led to the disruption of academic work as well as the detraction of the overall institutional work output. Nonetheless, most of the conflict resolution approaches in use by GPUs in particular ADRs, are effective and often lead to the timeous restoration of peace on campuses. To identify conflict signals from afar and prevent same, professionally-inclined Conflict Resolution Committees should be set up within universities, and also mandated to resolve organizational conflicts in an effective and efficient manner. Moreover, peace education lessons should be incorporated into university curriculums to minimize the occurrences of conflicts. This study does not only impact positively on the theory and practice of conflict resolution, but also enhances the conflict resolution skills of policymakers within the public space.