An Assessment of Conflict Management Practices and Their Effects on the Management of Local Government Authorities in Moshi District Council, Tanzania

In each organization, conflict is an everyday phenomenon. Conflicts are impossible to avoid, but it is possible to manage them through early and timely recognition. Conflicts appear to be inevitable and once there is human interaction, conflict seems to aggravate. The purpose of the study was to assess the conflict management practices and their effects on the management of local government authorities in Moshi District Council, Tanzania. The study adopted a case study research design and data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered at the respondents work stations. The target population was 73, comprising 21 councilors, and 52 permanent staff. The data was collected was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study revealed a number of conflict resolution mechanisms used by local authorities in Tanzania. They include mediation, disciplinary committees, meetings, informal discussions, seminars and, guidance and counseling. The study also revealed that these mechanisms are only effective when they are implemented through collaboration of both staff and councilors. In order to address the conflict management issues identified, the study recommends that, whereas conflict management is necessary, the council through its top management, the District Executive Director and the head of departments should make deliberate efforts to formulate conflict management systems that facilitate early and timely identification with resolution strategies that are cost-effective. The Local authorities should make the staff and their representative aware on how to appreciate and control the conflict to reduce turnover, wastage of resources and increase productivity and work citizenship.