AN ASSESSMENT ON THE ROLE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION: THE CASE OF GONDAR CITY ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

Effective communication is a crucial element in our lives and it is the basis for the organizational objective achievement. Moreover, as it is known quality of communication has a direct impact on the quality of relationship. This is why effective communication is crucial. The general objective of this study is to investigate the role of effective communication for resolving conflict in the case of Gondar city administration. Due to the very nature of the issue in focus, the study basically employed a qualitative approach with case study design. Thus, the researcher also carried out purposive and snow ball sampling techniques to select the respondents. Moreover, Focus Group Discussion, document analysis, and in depth interviews were employed to generate qualitative data. The data obtained from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed through making use of thematic analysis technique. As per the findings, the study identified some types of conflict in the study area such as, interpersonal, group, public and violent type conflicts. Related to causes of the conflicts; direct and indirect causes have been found. Moreover, the finding of the study identified negative impacts of the conflict such as, People displacements, Losses of Human and Animal life and some others. Furthermore, the study found out that the role of communication (excluding traditional one) in the conflict resolution process remains to be inadequate in the study area. On the flip side, the study found out that indigenous conflict resolution, what they call „Shimgilina‟ to be the dominant communication strategy/conflict resolution styles employed in the study area besides communication approaches like, avoiding, collaborating, mediation and some others. The major conclusion drawn from the findings of the study reveals that however, reconciliations have been established now and then; there are still tensions in line with aggravation of conflicts in the study area.