CONFLICTS AND JOB PERFORMANCE OF LIBRARY STAFF: CAUSES, EFFECTS AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Purpose of the study – This paper showcased the causes, effects and management strategies of conflicts on staff job performances of academic libraries in Delta State. Design/methodology/approach – Three research questions guided the study which adopted a descriptive survey design. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire.317 questionnaire were distributed to the respondents and only 220 was successfully retrieved. The research instrument came in three sections: A, B and C. Section A investigated the causes of conflicts, section B the effects of conflicts on staff job performances, and section C the management strategies for resolving effects of conflicts on staff job performances. Findings –The study reported that poor communication among staff, role ambiguity, poor library policies among others, are some of the causes of conflicts in the academic libraries. The study further revealed that poor collaboration among academic library staff, reduced morale, poor customer library services delivery among others are some of the effects of conflicts on academic library staff job performances. The study also revealed the management strategies for conflicts in academic libraries. Practical Implication – This paper addressed conflicts and Staff Job Performances: the causes, effects and the management strategies. The findings of the study will inform librarians and academic institutions with the practical knowledge of how to overcome conflicts in other to improve staff job performances in workplaces to make libraries remain relevant.Originality/value – The study reported the actual causes of conflicts, the effects of the conflicts and the management strategies in academic libraries in Delta State, Nigeria.