Leadership in Crisis: Conflict Dynamics Between Teachers and Head Teachers

Abstract

Workplace conflict between teachers and head teachers has recently become a pressing organizational issue that affects organizational culture, professional relationships, and psychological well-being of educators. In this regard, the current research aimed at investigating workplace conflict and its possible causes among teachers and head teachers as well as examining the effects of organizational interactions on workplace relations and organizational performance based on LMX Theory. Using the qualitative methodology, the researcher used semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analyses to collect data. Results of the thematic analysis revealed that communication gaps, leadership inflexibility, organizational inequality, and organizational miscommunication played an important role in developing workplace conflict in organizations. In turn, workplace tensions and conflicts led to such consequences as emotional strain, dissatisfaction with one’s job, loss of trust, decreased cooperation, and organizational dissatisfaction among teachers. It was concluded that in addition to being an interpersonal problem, workplace conflict is an organizational problem that has a considerable impact on organizational performance. In particular, positive leadership and communication can play an important role in managing conflict.

K E Y W O R D S: Workplace Conflict, School Leadership, Organizational Climate, Teacher–Head Teacher Conflict, Professional Relationships, Educational Management

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21992234