Role of the principals in conflict management in schools

Abstract

This research is a survey is based on the role of the principal to manage the conflicts in schools. Some changes are expected on principals' approaches to management because approaches related to management are being changed scientifically. It is an important role for the principals who are the head of schools to manage the conflicts among the several individuals with distinct characters. For this purpose 20 type – I schools, which consist of IAB and IC schools in Vadamaradchi Education zone – Jaffna were selected. Using Stratified Random Sampling, 265 teachers, 20 principals and 20 deputy principals were selected. This was a mixed method study because it is consisted of both Quantitative, Qualitative data. Collected data are based on descriptive statistical method and presented in grids and graphs using the basic methods of percentage and mean. Questionnaires for teachers and principals and semi structured interview with deputy principals were used to collect data. The main objective of this study was to identify the role of a principal in the conflict management in school and propose proper solutions. It is easy to manage the conflicts at their initial stage. Teachers welcome a friendly approach of principal to manage if those are identified at early stages. Teachers welcome a friendly approach of the principal to manage the conflict easily. Principals said that they did not get excited when they manage conflict. A few principals seemed to have abilities to use the conflict to develop the schools. Transparency in management and clear communication were best and basic tools to manage the conflict. But frequently principals used their powers to get a solution for the conflict. Principals transferred the teachers who had conflict with them frequently. These are some of the strategies principals used in conflict management in schools.