Management and resolution of violent intra students conflicts in institutions of higher learning in Tanzania
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Date
2002
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to examine and investigate the nature, patterns, causes, and strategies for managing and resolving intra students conflicts in institutions of higher learning in Tanzania. Previous studies on student conflicts had focused mainly on conflicts between either students and university management or students and the government, without addressing the intra students conflicts as well as if they never happened. The research used a qualitative case study approach to analyze three categories of intra students conflicts that included leadership gender related and inter faculty conflicts. One case was selected from each of these categories and subjected to in-depth analysis using a five step model of conflict analysis. Documentary reviews and analysis was the richest source of information, while interviews conducted with they actors and informants on each case complimented it. The causes of the conflicts identified included scarcity and variation in the quality of teaching and learning facilities territoriality tendencies; poor early warning systems; powerlessness of the student body; lack of democratic values; gender stereotypes; frustrations resulting in aggressive behaviours among students; and procrastination among key decision makers in the university management. The study established that there were no institutionalized mechanisms for managing and resolving intra students conflicts at the University of Dar es Salaam Rather, the university has tended to use court adjudication, student rustication, and closure of the university, which did not seem to work very well in resolving intra students conflicts. The study recommends that in order to effectively and efficiently manage intra students conflicts, there should be institutionalized mechanisms, including early warning systems, regular enforcement of student by-laws, counseling and recreational services, enhancement of collective ownership of university resources, and cultural education focusing on unity of university social life, gender relations and complementary of university study disciplines.
Description
Available in print form, EAF Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, (THS EAF LB3011.5.M48)
Keywords
Education (Higher), Tanzania, Crimes against students, School management and displine
Citation
Mkumbo, K.A.K (2002) Management and resolution of violent intra students conflicts in institutions of higher learning in Tanzania, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.