A dissertation completed at
The Center for Education, Widener University,
One University Place, Chester, PA 19013 		 
SUPERINTENDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR ROLE IN COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Susan Patricia Kampf, Ed. D.
March 1996

RETURN
edited 01/21/01

 


ABSTRACT

This study examined the current role of superintendents incommunity relations and conflict resolution. It gathered information on the extent and nature of conflict and how superintendents approach resolution to conflict. The need for superintendents to develop sound community relations skills is evident. Research shows that superintendents who communicate well and often, and develop relationships with their communities are more effective. School superintendents, who once governed their ,districts with few parents questioning their professionalism and expertise, are increasingly encountering special interest groups that desire input and change. A growing body of research indicates that dealing with these issues is making the superintendent's job more complex.

The project surveyed superintendents in the state of Pennsylvania to determine their perceptions of the conflicts they were experiencing and community relations techniques and conflict resolution skills they felt were effective in their districts. This study focused on the following research questions:

1. What approaches do superintendents find most effective in resolving conflicts in their districts?
2. What approaches do superintendents find most xi effective in building community relations in their districts?
3. What are the source of these conflicts?
4. What experiences do superintendents find to be most effective in preparing them to build community relations and resolve conflicts in their districts?

The study used survey research as the primary tool of investigation. First, a pilot instrument was developed from astudy of the literature and the researcher's knowledge of the field. Using this instrument, a pilot study was conducted on eight former Pennsylvania superintendents and two current New Jersey superintendents. These individuals were asked to answer questions, make comments, and evaluate the questionnaire. In addition, all were interviewed by the researcher to clarify responses and improve the survey. A ter this review, the survey instrument was refined and finalized.

The survey instrument, which included questions on superintendent and district demographics, was sent to the 501 superintendents in Pennsylvania during the 1994-95 school year. Seventy three percent of superintendents responded. Results of the study are presented descriptively using the research questions as a basis for discussion. Further analysis was completed by way of correlations and factor analysis. The results indicated that superintendents are well aware of the research on community relations and conflict resolution and that conflict in districts was coming from specific sources such as School Boards, finances, and the religious right.

This research contributes to a better understanding of the superintendent's role by assessing what is currently happening in school districts, and how superintendents in the field are dealing with conflict resolution and building community in their districts.

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