Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identity conflict management styles of principals and head football coaches in southern California high schools and to determine if there are significant differences between the styles of the two groups in regard to: (1) interpersonal conflict; (2) small group conflict; (3) intergroup conflict; (4) backup style; and (5) willingness to change styles. Methodology. The Conflict Management Survey, developed by, Jay Hall, Ph.D., and published by Telometrics International was used for this study. This test for adults was mailed to principals and football coaches in selected southern California high schools. This survey identifies the manner in which individuals react to conflict between themselves and others. Findings. (1) There was a significant difference between principals and coaches in interpersonal conflict management style. Principals were much more likely to use the 9-9 (win-win) style. With coaches, the preferred styles of conflict management were dispersed among four styles. (2) Principals were significantly different from the coaches in small group conflict management. The principals again overwhelmingly fell into the 9-9 (win-win) style. Coaches were spread among three styles: 9-9 (win-win), 5-5 (compromise), and 9-1 (win-lose). (3) The 9-9 (win-win) style was the unanimous choice of style preferred by principals to manage intergroup group conflict. Among coaches, however, the preferred styles were spread among three styles. These were (a) the 9-9 (win-win) style; (b) 5-5 (compromise) style; and (c) the 9-1 (win-lose) style. (4) In backup style preference there was only one style that proved to be significantly different between coaches and principals, as none of the responding coaches exhibited a preference for the 9-9 style as a backup. (5) There was no significant difference between these to groups and their willingness to change style during the conflict. Conclusions. Some conclusions are: (1) principals are more likely to use the 9-9 or win-win style of conflict management in all situations; (2) coaches are more diverse in their primary conflict styles than principals. These conclusions may help principals and coaches better understand each other and help them anticipate each other's particular style in given situations. Conflict between principals and coaches should not be surprising given the differences in styles. Recommendations. Some recommendations are: (1) principals and coaches should be aware of each other's styles of conflict management. This knowledge could help both groups understand each other better and create better working relationships between them. (2) Coaches aspiring to be administrators should consider the differences in styles between the groups and consider working toward the 9-9 or win-win style, as it appears to be the style of preference among high school principals in southern California.