Conflict Management Strategies as Predictor of Peace Culture among Undergraduate Students in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of conflict management strategies in maintaining peace culture in academia especially among the undergraduates. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design of an ex post facto type. Two research hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data were collected using a self-developed instrument and one already validated instrument. The questionnaire was administered on a sample of 1800 participants that were randomly selected from 6 universities in South West Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis, regression and t-test Statistical Analysis. The findings of this study indicated significant prediction of the use of conflict management strategy on peace culture among undergraduates (F_(1,1798) = 18.709; P < .000). The study also indicated a significant difference in the undergraduate perception of university peace culture (MD = 8.38; t = 5.205; P <.05). It is therefore recommended that the school management should ensure that non-violent means is employed as an intervention technique for conflict resolution in schools. This will encourage peaceful co-existence and teamwork between students, staffs and other members of the school community.

Keywords: conflict management, strategies, peace culture, undergraduates