Arkadi Umuhoza Kubana1* and Martin Kimemia2
1Mount Kigali University, Kigali Rwanda, P.O.Box 5826 Kigali, Rwanda
2Mount Kigali University, Kigali Rwanda, P.O.Box 5826 Kigali, Rwanda
*Corresponding e-mail: igneza24@gmail.com
Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of conflict resolution practices on the success of the Kigali Innovation City (KIC) Project. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from interviews. All 96 KIC staff members participated. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and regression to determine relationships between conflict resolution practices and project performance. Findings: The study revealed that 70.83% of respondents agreed communication frequency supported coordination (mean = 4.76, SD = 0.0), with similar findings for clarity and accessibility. Conflict coaching was highly rated, with 54.17% strongly agreeing on its effectiveness (mean = 4.42, SD = 0.74). ADR also proved effective, with 50.96% strongly agreeing (mean = 4.48, SD = 0.75). Regression analysis showed conflict coaching had the greatest impact on project performance (β = .750, p < .001), followed by ADR (β = .362, p < .001), while communication channels had a lesser effect (β = .162, p = .075). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.841, p < 0.05), accounting for 84.1% of project performance variance. Conclusion: Effective communication, conflict coaching, and ADR practices are crucial for enhancing project success. Conflict coaching emerged as the most impactful factor, followed by ADR, highlighting their roles in fostering collaboration, addressing challenges, and achieving better outcomes within large-scale projects like the KIC.
Keywords: Conflict resolution, practices, project performance, Rwanda
