Women principals and conflict

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which women principals perceived and resolved conflicts. The second purpose was to produce research on women principals and conflict from a uniquely female Canadian perspective. The data for this study was collected using two methods: a Critical Incident Technique questionnaire and follow -up semi-structured interviews. Both methods were analyzed by grouping data with similar ideas into themes and sub themes. Using both methods provided a means of testing and triangulation of the data. The key research questions guiding this study were (1) how do women principals perceive conflict? And (2) what strategies do women principals use to resolve conflict? It was determined that women principals perceived conflict as an inevitable, constant and enduring part of the role of the principalship. The participants also held differing perceptions that conflict could be negative, positive, or behavioral. This dispelled the fictitious notion that women hate conflict and avoid it at all costs. It was also determined that women principals used the same strategies as men to resolve and manage conflicts. Furthermore, five strategies emerged that went beyond the body of literature framework that was presented within this thesis, namely communication, apologizing when wrong, asking outside sources for help, reflection and being fair. These strategies corresponded with a softer administrative style that values integrity, fairness and the maintenance of personal relationships.