The effect of school leadership on conflict resolution in secondary schools in Uganda: a case study of Mubende district

Abstract

The study was about the effect of school leadership on conflict resolution in secondary schools in Uganda. It was carried out among secondary schools in Mubende District in 2013 . The objectives of this study were; to find out the conflict resolution methods employed by secondary school leadership. To examine the role of school leadership in conflict resolution in secondary schools. To establish the extent to which school leadership have resolved conflicts in secondary schools in Mubende District. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of school leadership on conflicts resolution in secondary schools in Mubende. A sample size of 112 respondents was determined scientifically. The study used cross sectional research design which ·extracted both qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data was collected from 50 teachers using a questionnaire. Interviews guides were used to collect qualitative data from head teachers and Board Governors, while focus group discussions were used to collect qualitative data from Deputy Head teachers, Heads of departments and Director of studies. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and interpreted using pie charts and table. Results of the study indicate that Negotiation, Mediation and direct confrontation were used when the two have failed. Litigation is rarely used to resolve conflicts in schools. The study found that the role of School leadership in conflict resolution is to build cooperation among the staff. The study findings indicate that other roles are totally neglected like establishing communication channels and counseling section. The results of the study indicate that resolved conflicts have positive effects while unresolved conflicts have led in wastage of resources in handling violent conflicts. The ideal level of conflict resolution required to attain optimum performance for every school is unique and situational. Basing on the findings of the study it was recommended that induction courses should be organized to school leadership to ably increase work productivity through resolved conflicts.