| dc.description.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. | |
