Roots of conflict : focus on commercial property management in Kenya

Abstract

Landlords, Tenants and Agents undertake major economic and social activities in commercial buildings. These involve human interactions over space and money during v.tiich conflicts occur. Traditionally conflicts are regarded negatively, but, they are as common as harmony in human interactions and require deeper understanding. Personal interviews were conducted in order to understand root causes of conflicts between landlords and tenants in these buildings. Immediate causes are over covenants, and provision of services, vwtiile the roots are found in the emotional fear. Cognitive and affective types are recognized as the main types of conflicts. Preventive Management is the method stakeholders prefer in managing of conflicts. This entails nurturing relationships through care, efficient and effective property management processes, be possessed with high standards. Successful property managers need to be armed with contemporary management skills. In order to achieve this growth of a distinct highly specialized property management discipline appears imminent.