Abstract:
The main objective of the study was to examine school leaders- teachers conflicts in some selected
secondary schools of north shoa zone Oromia regional states study mainly focused to assesses
common sources of conflict, types of conflict, strategies used to minimize conflict. In order to achieve
this objective, the researcher employed descriptive survey research design. Both quantitative and
qualitative approaches were used to collect and analyze data. The teachers and school leaders were
selected using stratified random technique. On the other hand, the schools in North Shoa were also
selected using simple random sampling. The data were collected from 84 teachers and 72 school
leaders this was done to give equal chances for sample Woredas in the zone. The data from each
respondent were collected using questionnaire and interview. Both open and close ended
questionnaires were prepared. Quantitative data collected through questionnaire was analyzed by
using stastical tools, t-test, mean scores, standard deviation and p-value using spss version 20.
Qualitative data were analyzed in order to supplement the quantitative analysis. This study found out
that, communication barriers, uncomfortable working environment, lack of participatory decision, lack
of clarity of authority structure were the major source of conflict. In addition to this the most common
types of conflict exist in schools were interpersonal and intergroup conflict. Moreover, collaborative,
compromising approach and problem solving were the strategies used to minimize conflict in the
schools of study area. On the other hand, it can be concluded that many in-school problems like lack of
good communication, facilities, resources and appropriate structure exacerbates conflicts in the study
area. Finally, the Woredas Education office, and Oromia education bureaus in collaboration with schools
principals, should provide short and long-term training for principals on strategies of conflict management. In
addition to this, principals should accept criticism during open discussion with teachers meeting in academic
issue and should continuously arrange dialogue for stakeholders to easily settle conflicts in the school. In order
to minimize conflicts emerged from resource related problems school management and Woredas education office
should work hard on ensuring accountability and transparency in resource allocation and utilization.
