Problem-Solving Techniques in the Management of Conflicts among Rural Dwellers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between problem-solving techniques and management of conflicts among rural dwellers in Oyo state. Conflict is an attempt to coerce power after understanding and reasoning fail. The study highlights problem-solving techniques in managing conflicts and it also enumerates the contributions of problem solving techniques in conflict management. A descriptive research design was adopted for the study and a researchers’ designed questionnaire was used in collecting data from a sample of 295 respondents. Data collected were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Statistics. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between problem-solving techniques and conflict management among rural dwellers. Specifically, the findings also revealed that there is a significant relationship between skills acquired in problem-solving techniques and conflict management among rural dwellers. It is therefore recommended that conflict management, peace promotion and consolidation should involve a behavioural code, confidence building measures and integrative activities and democratic practices. Besides, conflict management should involve intensive negotiation, the use of mediatory organs and conciliation activities.

Keywords: Problem-solving techniques; perspectives; conflict management; rural dwellers