Form of Knowledge Management and Influence on Conflict Management Effectiveness among Senior Staff of Public Universities in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Conflict management remains a significant challenge in public universities in SouthWest Nigeria, affecting academic programs, staff morale, and institutional reputation. While knowledge management has been recognized for enhancing organizational performance, its role in conflict management effectiveness within Nigerian tertiary institutions remains underexplored. This study investigates the influence of knowledge management—specifically knowledge acquisition, sharing, and retention—on conflict management effectiveness among senior staff in six public universities. Data were collected from 428 senior academic and non-teaching staff using a descriptive survey design. Findings revealed that knowledge acquisition (β=0.116, p=0.012) and knowledge sharing (β=0.178, p=0.000) significantly enhance conflict management effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of strengthening knowledge retention mechanisms, improving knowledge-sharing practices, and optimizing knowledge acquisition processes. Recommendations include fostering inclusive knowledge management practices to mitigate conflicts and enhance institutional stability. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and university administrators seeking to improve conflict resolution strategies.