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.
