Effect Of Conflict Resolution Methods On Industrial Relation In Public Institutions In Kenya, A Case Of Maasai Mara University

Abstract

Conflicts have led to undesirable results like strikes, sit-ins, go-slows, students’ unrests among others. Thus the main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of conflict resolution methods on industrial relation in public universities a case study of Maasai Mara University. The specific objectives were to examine the effect of negotiation on dispute resolution, to establish the effect of mediation on dispute resolution, to establish the effect of arbitration on dispute resolution and to determine the effect of litigation on dispute resolution in Maasai Mara University. A survey research design was use in this study. The target population was teaching and non-teaching staffs and student leaders of Maasai Mara University. Stratified random sampling technique was applied for drawing samples from sub-populations which are individually more homogenous than the total population in order to ensure a more representative sample. The study used a sample of 20% from each category of respondents. The total sample was 72 respondents out of 358 population. The study used questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. Data though the use of questionnaires. Data analysis was facilitated by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Descriptive statistics in form of frequency distribution and percentages were used and data presented in form of tables. The results were analysed, discussed and recommendations made. The study findings revealed that the method under investigation by the study is likely to reduce the rate of conflicts in public institution. The recommendations made by the researcher are:- arbitration, negotiation and mediation be utilized first in conflict management in public institutions, litigation be used only as a last resort.