Effect of Conflict Management Styles on Employees’ Performance in Selected Institutions of Higher Learning in Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of conflict management styles on employees’ performance in selected institution of higher learning in Adamawa State Nigeria. Both the primary and secondary source of data were used for the purpose of this research, primary data were collected using questionnaires convenience sampling technique was applied in selecting the staff of three institution, federal Polytechnic, Adamawa State University and College of Health and Technology Mubi respectively. A sample of 358 questionnaires was administered by the researcher with the help of research assistant. Smart-PLS software was used for the data analysis respectively. The findings of this study have provided the empirical evidence regarding the significance of conflict management style dimensions. The study also show that the most common sources of conflict are needs, roles, pressures, goals, perception and styles, violations of agreement reached between, the government, management and the Unions, and denial of promotion when due. At the end, the study recommends that the management of the institutions should ensure that employees are promoted based on merit and not on sentiments because it will not only encourage the hard working ones but it will also reduce the waves of industrial disputes in the institutions. The management of the institutions and government should also ensure sanctity of all agreements signed with the unions at all times to avoid frictions and industrial crises because it has effect on the image of the institutions and some compelling costs especially on the students and entire community as a whole