Conflict Management Strategies and their Impact on Service Delivery in the Nigerian Local Government System: An Analysis

Abstract: The Nigerian local government system plays a critical role in delivering essential services to citizens at the grassroots level. However, conflicts within the system pose significant challenges to effective service delivery. This research explored conflict management strategies within the Nigerian local government setup and their impact on service provision. The study identifies both non-structural and structural causes of conflicts, including differences in background, values, personal traits, perceptions, poor communication skills, work interdependence, differences in unit orientation and goals, differences in performance criteria and reward systems, mutual dependence on limited resources, and differences in status. By understanding these causes, stakeholders can implement appropriate conflict resolution mechanisms. Various conflict management strategies prevalent in the Nigerian local government system are examined, including avoidance, diffusion, containment, and confrontation. Each strategy has its strengths and limitations, and their effectiveness depends on the specific context and nature of the conflict. To improve service delivery, stakeholders are encouraged to employ collaborative, compromising, and accommodating approaches to find mutually beneficial solutions. Open communication, empathy, and understanding are emphasized as key elements in successful conflict resolution. The research concludes that continuous adaptation of conflict resolution approaches is crucial to address the changing dynamics within Nigerian society. Staying up-to-date with the latest research and understanding the evolving societal, economic, and political landscape will enable more effective conflict management in the local government system, leading to improved service delivery and overall development. Keywords: Conflict Management Strategies, Service Delivery, Local Government System, Conflict Resolution. Title: Conflict Management Strategies and their Impact on Service Delivery in the Nigerian Local Government System: An Analysis Author: Rose Nkechi Nwankwo, Uche Nora Okpalibekwe, Madumelu H.C. Madubueze International Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM) ISSN 2349-7807 Vol. 10, Issue 3, July 2023 - September 2023 Page No: 76-83 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 16-August-2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8251859 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Conflict%20Management%20Strategies-16082023-1.pdfInternational Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM), ISSN 2349-7807, Paper Publications, Website: www.paperpublications.or