Abstract
Purpose. This dissertation replicated a 2006 study of superintendents done by Shawn Judson, Ed.D. (2006). However, this study shifted the focus from district superintendents to school principals. The purpose of this study was to increase the body of knowledge about political conflict in the principalship by examining how politically astute principals of high-achieving elementary schools identify and manage the political conflict that is part of their job. Methodology. This replication study employed the same descriptive, multiple case study design utilized by the predecessor study done by Judson in 2006. The population was 19 principals of high-achieving elementary schools in North San Diego County who were deemed to be politically astute by an expert panel of district superintendents. Each participant consented to a face-to-face interview which utilized the same questions Judson posed to superintendents. Additionally, the results of this study were compared with Judson's (2006) findings. Key findings. The study found the following: (a) politically charged conflict can arise from a variety of situations, but is most likely to arise from issues with parents and parent organizations; (b) power issues and differing perspectives are characteristics that make situations political; (c) effective communication and active listening are two powerful strategies for addressing political conflict and (4) improved morale and new understandings between parties are two outcomes of successfully managed political conflict. Conclusions. Superintendents and principals experienced very different politically charged situations and used very different strategies to address them. However, both populations identified many similar factors that politicize situations and also identified similar outcomes of successfully managed political conflict. Recommendations. (a) Preparation for the administrative services preliminary credential needs to fully address the political conflicts that aspiring elementary school principals are likely to face; (b) conduct a Northern California replication study to determine if there are regional differences in how politically astute principals manage political conflict; and (c) a Southern California adaptation study done with principals of low achieving schools to determine similarities and differences in their responses to the five research questions.