The shock absorbers: school principals and their conflicts in Chile

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the types, frequency and intensity of conflicts reported by school principals in Chile. This paper is based on a quantitative study collecting conflicts reported by school principals (n=395) though an online survey. Results indicated parents and families are sources of the most intense and frequent conflicts for school principals in Chile. The type of conflicts is not associated with the features of schools or bio-socio data of principals. These conflicts primarily occur due to interpersonal conflicts with other adults (families and teachers) rather than students. School principals in Chile need support and professional development opportunities to nurturing a trusting relationship between schools and families.

KEYWORDS:

• Leadership
• school principal
• school climate
• conflict

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Felipe Aravena

Felipe Aravena is professor of Educational Leadership at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile.

Romina Madrid

Romina Madrid is professor of Education at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile.