Conflict Resolution between Heads and Teachers: The Case of 4 Schools in Masvingo Zimbabwe

The study sought to establish causes of conflict amongst primary school heads and teachers and how such conflicts could be resolved in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. The study also sought to establish teachers’ perceptions of conflict, and their preference of conflict arbitrators. Sixteen purposively selected teachers from 4 schools responded to questionnaire items in this survey. The major findings of the study were that conflicts exist in most schools as heads and teachers conflict with each other over unequal distribution/allocation of resources and grapevine or gossips. It was also established that teachers and heads frequently conflict and most teachers were not satisfied with the ways in which problems were resolved. They preferred the District Education Officers (D.E.Os) to resolve their conflicts with the School Heads. The study recommends that School heads should ensure equitable and transparent distribution of resources at schools and workshops on conflict and conflict resolution should be mounted for school stakeholders including heads, teachers and school development committees/associations