| dc.description.abstract | Many authors trace the history of modern self help groups to the foundation of alcoholic anonymous (AA) in the USA in 1935, a group that became active in a field in which existing social and health services did. not provide adequate support. Other groups included those for the victims and families of victims of specific diseases, child abuse, suicide and crime among others. In Kenyan context, self help movement sprung from the national slogan harambee which is indigenous and is used to discuss economic and
social development.
The initiative of forming a self help group comes from the community members arising from a felt need. However, groups encounter intragroup conflicts froin time to time. Intragroup conflict is defined as an incompatibility of goals, beliefs, attitudes or behaviors. This study was a case study focusing on intragroup conflicts in self help groups in Starehe Division, Nairobi North District. The study found out the i root causes of conflict in self help groups and their social and economic effects to menibers. The study
also found out the existing internal and external conflict management mechanisms and their successes and failures. It further explored possible measures to minimize conflicts mgroups.
The study was quantitative and relied on primary and secondary data to source for information. Primary data was generated through questionnaires where! group officials and members were respondents. Two questionnaires were developed, lone for groups with conflicts and another for groups without conflicts for comparison f'urposes. Two focus group discussions were held. Sampling was done using both probability and non- Probability sampling. Stratified sampling was used for groups with conflicts and quota sampling was used for groups without conflicts. The researcher sought opinion on the root causes of intragroup conflict using prelisted statements> The results revealed that conflicts are caused by lack of transparency and accountability leading to financial mismanagement, poor communication, poor leadership skills, tribalism and political interference.
These conflicts affect groups both positively and negatively. Other prelisted statements were used to seek opinion on possible measures to reduce intragroup conflicts. Results showed that the measures were trainings, seminars, workshops and exchange programmes. Further there is need to visit groups frequently and get their reports on successes and challenges. The study recommended that to minimize conflicts, group members: be trained and educated regularly by relevant authorities on group dynamics, leadership skills, financial management and book keeping. Another recommendation: is that groups should have exchange programmes to learn from each another and share experiences.
There should be frequent field visits to groups as a way of recognition, support and guidance. Groups should be closely monitored and their success stories and challenges brought out through reports. This study was undertaken In the urban area, and therefore there is need for a comparative study in the rural areas to gather views from rural community groups. This is because of difference in setting. | en_US |
