School Management Strategies in Managing Conflicts among Teachers in Public Secondary Schools: A Case of Bunda Town Council, Mara Region

Thobias,, Edigga S. (2025) School Management Strategies in Managing Conflicts among Teachers in Public Secondary Schools: A Case of Bunda Town Council, Mara Region. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study explored school management strategies for addressing conflicts among teachers in public secondary schools, with a focus on Bunda Town Council in the Mara Region. The objectives were to identify major causes of teacher conflicts, examine conflict management strategies employed by school heads, and to assess the adequacy of the training provided to head of schools in resolving teachers’conflict. A mixed-methods approach under the pragmatism paradigm was employed, using a convergent design. Data were collected from 83 participants, including education officers, headteachers, and teachers, selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Interviews and questionnaires were used as data collection instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 20, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Findings showed that school heads commonly used strategies such as mediation, negotiation, collaboration, counselling, impartiality, and fair decision-making to manage conflicts and maintain a positive teaching and learning environment. However, many school heads lacked formal training and necessary skills in conflict resolution and relied instead on personal experience and leadership skills. Despite of inadequacy training, many heads of schools managed conflicts effectively using their own knowledge and approaches. The study concluded that while school heads generally apply effective conflict management strategies, the absence of systematic training limits their effectiveness. It recommends that school heads adopt proactive measures to prevent conflicts and use appropriate resolution techniques when conflicts arise. Additionally, the government, through District and Regional Education Officers, should provide regular professional development and capacity-building programs particularly to new appointees head of schools to enhance them with essential skills for teachers’ conflict management competencies. KEYWORDS: School, Management Strategies, Teachers Conflicts, Public Secondary School

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