Chapter 7
Managing Conflict in Today’s Schools
Chapter Overview
This chapter features: 1) a definition of conflict, 2) a discussion on the nature and types of
conflict that frequently occur in schools, 3) analyzes of the sources of those conflicts, and 4)
Learner Objectives
After reading this chapter, completing the prescribed activities, and addressing the discussion
questions, students should be able to:
❖ Define conflict.
❖ Identify strategies commonly used to manage conflict occurring in schools.
❖ Express a greater appreciation for the influence of leader behavior on conflict in schools.
❖ Express an appreciation for role expectations.
❖ Explain why effective management, collaboration, and the use of ethical principles can
reduce the negative dysfunctional aspects of conflict.
Chapter Outline
Introduction
A Definition of Conflict
The Nature of Conflict in Schools
The Reactive Response
The Proactive Response
Role Conflict
Role Expectation for the School Leader
The Leader’s Expectation for Self
Leadership for Today’s Schools
Scenarios
Chapter Summary
Moving into Practice
Acquiring an Understanding of Self
Professor’s Presentation
• Make a presentation on Conflict in Schools. To highlight key concepts, use the
Power Point titled, “Managing Conflict in Today’s Schools.”
Discussion Questions
1. What are some conflicts occurring in schools that might be classified as functional?
2. What are some conflicts occurring in schools that might be classified as dysfunctional?
4. What is the major responsibility of the principal with regards to creating an environment
wherein dysfunctional conflict is minimized?
Key Terms and Concepts
➢ Functional Conflict
➢ Dysfunctional Conflict
➢ Direction
➢ Clarity
➢ Intensity
Key Theories
✓ Single Loop Learning Theory
✓ Double Loop Learning Theory
In-Class Activities
1. Have students read each of the following scenario, identify the key theories that apply,
and justify their selection.
The Bell Schedule
Several teachers have approached Principal Clark concerning a more conducive bell
Dress Code Violations
The principal at Jones High School has been experiencing difficulty with teachers
A Conflict in Schedules
Principal Harris is requiring members of the Math department to hold weekly
departmental meetings. Ms. Johnson has advised him that she cannot meet on
Wednesdays due to regularly scheduled doctor appointments. Ms. Washington advises
him that she cannot meet on Mondays because she directs the dance team that holds its
practices on Monday. It appears that every day in the week offers a conflict for each of
the other teachers as well. There is no flexibility among the group. How can Principal
Harris manage this conflict?
2. Have students develop a list of behaviors that tend to minimize conflict and share
examples of instances when the identified behaviors were exhibited.
1. Which of the following approaches to conflict management tends to be most effective
when used in schools?
a. Problem-Solving
b. Power Struggle
c. Avoidance
d. Bargaining
2. Which of the following approaches to conflict management tends to be least effective
for use in schools?
a. Problem-Solving
b. Power Struggle
c. Avoidance
d. Bargaining
3. Conflict occurs in schools mainly because of:
a. Divergent views and incompatibility of those views.
b. The un-willingness of the faculty to collaborate.
c. Ineffective communication.
d. The human needs of individuals.
4. Conflict is defined as:
a. The interaction of interdependent people who perceive opposition of goals,
aims, and views, and who see the other party as potentially interfering with
the realization of those goals.
b. A social phenomenon that is heavily ingrained in human relations and
expressed and sustained through communication.
c. The interdependent nature of individuals and group.
d. Both A and B
5. Which of the following occurrences is likely to produce conflict in a school setting?
a. The assigning of classroom space
b. A teacher’s desire to conduct a particular activity
c. Teachers having different points of views over which approach to use in the
teaching of reading
d. Any or all of the above
6. Which of the following conflicts would be classified as divergence in goals?
a. The assigning of classroom space
b. A teacher’s desire to conduct a particular activity
c. Teachers having different points of views over which approach to use in the
teaching of reading
d. Any or all of the above
7. If a leader of a school worked to create a supportive school climate, enrich the design
of tasks, reduce conflict, and plan and develop career paths, he/she would likely be
attempting to:
a. Control organizational-level stressors.
b. Develop a learning environment.
c. Do the impossible.
d. Control individual-level stressors.
8. If conflict occurs that facilitates the accomplishment of goals by members of the
organization, then, that conflict can be considered to be:
a. Dysfunctional conflict.
b. Functional conflict.
c. Role conflict
d. None of the above
9. If conflict occurs that negatively affects a faculty to the extent that their productivity
is disrupted, then, that conflict is considered to be:
a. Dysfunctional conflict.
b. Functional conflict.
c. Role conflict
d. None of the above
10. Which of the following is defined as the context of conflict?
a. Conflict that exists between individuals within a group or organization
b. Conflict between two groups within a larger social system
c. Conflict that exists between two organizations
d. All of the above defines the context of conflict
11. When an individual refers to the content of conflict, he/she is speaking of:
a. The adequacy in which the parties involved communicate expectations.
b. The manner in which the involved individuals are responding to the conflict.
c. The issue or issues over which the conflict occurs.
d. The depth of interest and/or concerns that an individual or group holds for the
issue in question.
12. When an individual refers to the intensity of conflict, he/she is speaking of:
a. The adequacy in which the parties involved communicate expectations.
b. The manner in which the involved individuals are responding to the conflict.
c. The issue or issues over which the conflict occurs.
d. The depth of interest and/or concerns that an individual or group holds for the
issue in question.
13. When an individual refers to the clarity of conflict, he/she is speaking of:
a. The adequacy in which the parties involved communicate expectations.
b. The manner in which the involved individuals are responding to the conflict.
c. The issue or issues over which the conflict occurs.
d. The depth of interest and/or concerns that an individual or group holds for the
issue in question.
14. In schools, conflict can occur because of expectations. When individuals do not
behave as other individuals believe that they should behave, then:
a. Proactive conflict occurs.
b. Role conflict occurs.
c. Reactive conflict occurs.
d. The leader is not effectively managing conflict.
15. Conflict management is the process of resolving and minimizing disagreements
resulting from perceived or real differences. A conflict has been effectively managed
when:
a. The individuals involved agree to cope with the conflict.
b. The individuals involved agree to avoid each other.
c. The cognitive barriers have been changed to agreement.
d. None of the above reference conflict management.
16. In managing a conflict, it is important for school leaders to:
a. Let the involved parties know that their concerns are important.
b. Develop an understanding of the content of the conflict.
c. Listen to individuals and allow them to express themselves and share their
point of view.
d. All of the above
17. A theory that informs a strategy that can be used to manage conflict occurring among
individuals with different motivational levels is:
a. Human Needs Theory
b. Double Loop Learning Theory
c. Thomas-Kilman Conflict
d. Contingency Theory
18. In attempting to manage conflicts:
a. The school leader should withdraw from conflicts as often as possible.
b. The leader should first determine if a conflict really exists—if the goals of the
individuals or groups are truly incompatible.
c. School leaders should take an autocratic approach to maintaining a productive
work environment.
d. School leaders should maintain positive interpersonal relations at any cost.
1. Describe a major conflict that has occurred in a school. Then, give the cause for the
conflict and the approach that was used by the school leader to reach a resolution.
2. Serving as principal, you have observed that Mrs. Green is experiencing difficulties and
you have begun to receive numerous complaints from parents and other teachers
regarding such concerns as:
a. Failure to work with other grade level teachers.
b. Classroom management.
c. Lack of communication with parents.
Describe the steps that you would take to address and resolve these issues. In your response,
address the following:
• Application of specific leadership theories
• Conflict resolution skills
• Problem analysis
• Timeline
3. Write a 300 word essay on conflict. In your essay, describe the different types of conflict,
three (3) causes of conflict, and three (3) approaches to minimizing conflict.
4. Create a school situation were conflict exists and outline a process that you would use to
resolve that conflict.
5. Define each of the following theories and identify the theorist affiliated with each theory:
a. Single Loop Learning Theory
b. Double Loop Learning Theory
c. Thomas-Kilman Conflict
d. Contingency Theory
e. Human Needs Theory
Power Point
The Power Point on the web that supports this chapter is titled, “Theories on Conflict.”
Professor’s Scenario
May I Help You, Please?
Julia Stevens, principal of Waterloo Elementary School left her office and entered the reception
area. Upon entering the reception area, she observed a parent sitting there. She politely walked
over to the parent and asked, “May I help you, please?” The parent quickly replied “no” in a
very emphatic manner. Principal Stevens then asked, “Is someone else helping you?” In the
visitors. The policy stipulated that non-employees could enter the school for the purpose of
transacting business or to participate in an authorized school activity. Any other visitation would
have to occur with the approval of the principal. Having thoroughly reviewed and acquired an
in-depth understanding of its meaning, Principal Stevens returned to the reception area and once
The Query
What action should Principal Stevens take? Justify your response using one of the conflict
management techniques.
Chapter 7