Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess principals
′ conflict management practice in their
interaction with teachers in Secondary Schools Eastern Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region. It
examined the view of teachers and principals on conflict, the causes of conflicts, the strategies or
mechanisms to resolve conflict, the role of school principals, cluster supervisors and WEOs in
managing conflict and challenges encountered during conflict resolution in the study area. To
accomplish this purpose, the study employed a descriptive survey method, which is supplemented
by qualitative research. Then, 163 teachers were selected using stratified sampling techniques.
10 principals, 10 vice principals, 9 cluster supervisors and 9 WEOs were included in the study
by using purposive sampling techniques, 10 department heads and 20 school boards of
managements were also included by using simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaire,
Interview and document analysis were also utilized to substantiate the data gained through the
questionnaire. Descriptive statics was employed to analyze the quantitative data, while
qualitative data which was obtained through open ended questions, interview and document
analysis were analyzed using narration. The results of the study revealed that, conflict in these
schools viewed as a destructive and teachers are afraid of being victim out of conflicting
situations. From the result of the findings, it is possible to conclude that, there is gap of
collaboration among the top to the bottom educational leaders in conflict management. Finally,
recommendations were drawn based on the findings. Moreover, suggestions were forwarded to
alleviate/solve the factors that hinder proper implementation of school conflict resolution
strategies or mechanisms.
