Effects of Conflicts Between Political Leaders and Employees on the Performance of Local Government Authorities: A Survey of Kongwa District Council, Tanzania

This study examined the effects of conflict between political leaders and employees on the performance of local government authorities in Tanzania, based on the experience of Kongwa District Council. The study was conducted in 2021, involving the collection of both primary data through interviewing 5 key informants and through questionnaires from 72 respondents-; and secondary data through documentary review. Due to the mixed methods nature of the study, qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis and quantitative data were summarized using simple descriptive statistics and summarizing the data in frequency tables with the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The findings indicate that there are conflicts between political leaders (councillors) and council staff mainly as a result of improper use of authority (political interference in administrative functions), scarcity of resources and an education gap between councillors and staff. From the study findings, it is evident that the conflicts negatively impact the performance of the council as they lead to low achievement of goals, delays in project implementation, low staff morale and inefficient service provision among others. The study recommends intensive and regular training for the councillors on the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the operation of council activities to clearly understand their areas of jurisdiction, which will minimize the prevalence of conflicts in the council