Innovative leadership in managing conflict at selected senior secondary schools in Botswana

Abstract

The phenomenon of conflict is the problem that principals are faced with in their respective schools. The aim of this study was to explore the role that innovative leadership could play in managing conflict at the selected schools in Botswana. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative research approach was adopted. It included interviews, during which the informants responded to open-ended questions; observations, where the researcher visited the schools and interacted with the informants; and document analysis. These methods were employed to determine the perceptions of participants regarding the nature, extent, and causes of conflict at the selected schools. The study indicated that a number of factors could significantly contribute in managing conflict. Employing innovative educational leaders, benchmarking, using bottom-up communication skills, and the engagement of policy analysts, are some of the key recommendations made for avoiding further conflict within schools and between schools and the Ministry of Education.