THE IMPACT AND CHALLENGES OF INDUSTRIAL CONFLICT ON STAFF OUTPUT/SERVICES IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIBRARIES

ABSTRACT

This study assessesthe impact and challenges of industrial conflict on staff production in the public and private library. Specifically, the study determines the extent of industrial conflict occurrence in public libraries, determines whether industrial conflict affects staff production in the public and private library and investigates the types of industrial conflict in the public libraries. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 35 responses were validated from the survey. The study adoptsthe Marxist Theory of Conflict and the Conflict Theory Model of Dahrendorf. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings reveal that the extent of industrial conflict occurrence in public and private library is very high. The study recommends thatmanagement of the work organization should embark on conflict management skills involving the use of motivational tools, effective communication, good human relations with employees and other conflict handling behaviours. The study further recommends that employees and the Unions should work together towards achieving the positive effects of conflicts rather than negative.