Interpersonal Conflicts between Teachers: Causes and Effects in Teacher Training Colleges, North West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the causes and effects of interpersonal conflicts between teachers in the Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) in the North West Region, Cameroon. Methodology: Using the qualitative research design, data were collected from 16 school administrators and 158 teachers using questionnaires and focus group discussion that were analyzed using the technique of content analysis. Findings: The found out that the causes of interpersonal conflicts between teachers in the TTCs were diverse and were categorized under teachers’, school and leadership-related causes. These conflicts largely had negative outcomes on teachers, students, school leadership and the school as an institution. From the findings, interpersonal conflicts between teachers does not only hurt individual teachers’ level of commitment, productivity and effectiveness but equally, impacts the school climate, students’ achievements and school effectiveness in general. Conclusion: The diverse causes and negative effects of interpersonal conflicts between teachers in the TTCs of the North West if left unchecked has the potential of negatively impacting even the smooth functioning of these institutions. Recommendations: The study recommend that school administrators of the TTCs should receive special training and preparation on issues of conflict management and leadership upon appointment. Also, workshops, seminars, and orientation programmes for principals and teachers of TTCs on conflict management should be organized on regular basis to improve their knowledge on conflict management in schools.