STUDENTS’ INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: ARBA MINCH AND HAWASSA UNIVERSITIES IN FOCUS

This study aimed at investigating major challenges of students’ interpersonal communications and its impact on students’ academic performance at higher education institutions focusing on Arba Minch and Hawassa Universities. It identified major challenges of students’ interpersonal relationships, its impact over students’ academic life and ways of managing disputes among students at higher education institutions. Data were collected using questionnaire and in-depth interview from the target groups selected by random sampling method. The analyzed data illustrated that students understood and valued interpersonal communication in their life. Ethno-centrism, language, culture and religious differences were identified as serious challenges for students’ interpersonal relationships. Moreover, students’ attitude about university life and family’s orientation were also causes of tensions among students. Students’ interpersonal relationships also had impact over their academic life at university. In order to alleviate the challenges, orienting students about the unique and diversified university life was indispensable. Furthermore, creating and widening opportunities for students to share their cultures and experiences was also essential. In addition, promoting multilingualism also assists students’ interaction. Keywords: Interpersonal Communication, higher education, students, interpersonal relationship, academic performance, challenges, attitude