A model for handling conflict among school teacher in Moses Kotane East

Abstract

This research was undertaken because there is a high level of conflict among school teachers. The seriousness of the conflict is that it has a negative effect when it is not handled constructively. If it is not prevented as early as possible. it can be escalated and become destructive. The researcher was further prompted by the fact that e en though much research has been done among schoolteachers in schools, little has been done to prevent the unnecessary conflict. As a result of the high level of conflict incidents that arc currently prevalent amongst school teacher in Moses Kotane East, the researcher felt that there is a need for a great deal of rest.:arch on how to handle conflict among school teachers. There sixty-five (65) schools in Moses Kotane East, fourteen ( 14) high schools, eight combined schools (8) and forty three (43) primary schools. There is one thousand. four hundred and fifty) ( 1450) teacher. including principals, deputies and head of departments. The researcher employed simple random sampling because every member of the population will have equal and independent chance of being included in the sample. Sixteen ( 16) schools were sampled, seven (7) primary schools, four (4) combined schools and five (5} secondary schools. From each selected secondary school eleven (I I) respondents comprising educators, site managers, heads of department or deputy and from each primary school ten (I0) respondents were selected consisting of teachers, site managers, heads of departments or deputy and from each of the three (3) selected combined schools eight (8) respondents comprising site managers, heads of departments or deputy were sampled. From another combined school seven (7) respondents consisting of site manager, head of department and teachers were also sample. The total number f respondents was one hundred and fifty six (156). The study was guided by the following research questions: what is the effective and relevant model for handling conflict among school teachers? What are the types of conflict that occur among teachers of Moses Kotane East? What arc the consequences of these conflicts? What are the strategies for resolving conflicts? What is the role of the site manager in conflict management? What arc the guidelines for handling conflict among teachers in schools? The purpose of this study was to determine how to handle conflict among teachers in schools. The aim of this study was also to assess and discuss the effective model for handling conflict among school teachers in Moses Kotane East. Based on research findings, the aim was to present guidelines or strategies for minimizing exaggerated focus of conflict among school teachers. The study was quantitative in nature and data was collected through literature review and questionnaire. Minitab Statistical Package, version fourteen ( 14) was used to capture and analyse the data. The following findings emerged from the data analysis: • That unlimited resources are the major causes of conflict. • When conflic t is handled constructively, it promotes growth and problem solving. • A Code of conduct for teachers and other additional rules should be drawn for the teacher. • Good mediation by the school manager can keep the conflict at the minimal level. Based on the findings it is recommended that teachers should know the different strategies for handling conflict. They should know how and when to use those strategies. The efTective model for handling conflict among school teachers is therefore very important. A model suggested in this study is a dynamic multidimensional model for conflict resolution because the phenomenon dealt is by nature multi-faceted.