A constructive Approach to Managing Faculty Conflict: An Action Research Study

Summary

This mixed methods action research study implemented a conflict management strategies workshop as an intervention to address the problem of conflict at Morehead State University. The MMAR research design and the implemented intervention is discussed in Chapter 2.

Warters (1995) expresses:

There has been considerable growth and development in the area of campus conflict resolution. We need, as well, a comparable increase in the research on and the documentation of campus dispute resolution efforts, and a refinement and integration of campus dispute resolution systems. While the ivory tower will never be free of conflict, it certainly has the potential to become one of the most well managed areas of conflict activity, where in the true value of conflict can be discovered, and the painful costs of conflict poorly handled can be minimized (p. 77).

Introduction

Chapter Two Research Design

In many organizations, executives, managers, employees have learned to sweep conflicts under the rug in hopes that they will go away. As a result, the organizations have developed cultures that encourage people to avoid discussing difficult issues and settle for partial solutions or no solutions at all (Cloke & Goldsmith, 2011).

By ignoring conflict, it tends to have the opposite of its intended effect; therefore, universities and colleges are utilizing conflict management systems as a method to respond to workplace conflict. Teaching people how to manage conflict constructively can lead to better working conditions, more understanding, and a better environment for students, faculty and administrators alike (Hancks, 2013).

The researcher identified conflict as an issue between faculty and administrators on the campus of Morehead State University. In the reconnaissance phase of this study, an exploratory pilot study was conducted, a thorough review of the research literature on conflict and conflict management was examined, quantitative and qualitative data was collected and analyzed, and the researcher’s professional experience and knowledge of the context studied led to the development of this action research study as an appropriate way to address the identified problem of conflict between faculty and administrators. The quantitative data collected and analyzed from the exploratory pilot study demonstrated an absence of resources in operational and personnel policies. Procedural policies regarding conflict management only provided a formal reporting to the Office of Human Resources. The qualitative data collected and analyzed from the exploratory pilot study demonstrated conflict existed between faculty and administrators, faculty and administrators were left to their own devices to manage conflict and a conflict management strategies workshop could be of use to the university to assist in managing conflict in the organization.

In this chapter, the researcher will discuss the implemented action/intervention, research design and methodology, research setting, the participants in the intervention, and the instruments and strategies used for data collection and analysis. In addition, quality assurance, ethical considerations and the researcher’s role as participant-leader and participant-researcher is examined.