MANAGEMENT RELATED CONFLICTS WHICH INFLUENCE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES A.Paunanthie Department of Humanities Education Faculty of Education University of Colombo

Introduction to study Some changes are expected on principals’ approaches to management because approaches related to management are being changed scientifically. The teaching and learning activities in schools mainly depend on the management activities in schools. Many people interact with school system internally and externally. School management has to manage those people with open manner.

There are many factors which influence in activities of management in schools internally and externally. These factors are the roots for many conflicts. Many conflicts arise between the first line manager of the school (principal) and the teachers. Management style of principal of school is very important to manage conflicts in schools. It is an important role for the principals who are the head of the schools to manage the conflicts among the several individuals with distinct characters. If the principals of school want to manage the conflicts, first they have to identify them.

Objectives of the study Identify the common conflicts found in schools Identify and point out the factors which create conflicts between principals and teachers Key words Activities in schools, management, conflict

Research design and methodology This was a mixed method study because it is consisted of both qualitative data and quantitative data. Research sample- This research was done in the 20 1AB and 1C schools in Vadamaradchi Education zone – Jaffna. 265 teachers were selected using the stratified random sampling from the 823 population of this study. 20 principals and 20 deputy principals were also selected from the 20 schools. Data collection and analysis - Questionnaires were given to teachers and principals and interviews conducted with the deputy principals. Percentages and mean calculation were calculated.

Finding of the research Main factor creating conflicts in schools Age – gaps, seniority, differences of educational and professional qualifications, religion, cast and creed, gender, sharing of duties and responsibilities among teachers were major factors which created conflicts in schools. Giving priority to personal need of principals

The main factors creating conflicts in schools Extra activities after school, lack of resources, lack of time management, ignoring the welfare of teachers by principal, principals’ prejudice about the teachers, not following a systematic procedure to share the responsibilities among teachers, not completing the responsibilities duties of teachers on time Not only the principals but also the teachers were causing to conflicts

Suggestions Principals and teachers have to concentrate to manage the conflicts together Identification of conflicts at the initial stage is easy to manage them Principals and teachers can easily manage conflicts by maintaining the effective communication If principals and teachers of schools work with positive attitude can reduce and easily manage them

References Armstrong, M. (1995). A Hand Book of Personal management Practice. England: Kogan pege Grittin, R.W. (1994). Management. New Delhi:A.I.T.B.S. Publishers. Santhirasegaram, S. & Karananithi, M. (2008). Principles of Management – An Introduction. Colombo: Semamadu Publishers. Sinnathampi, S. (2006). School Management. Sri Lanka: Wisdon Publishers.

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