Date of Award

Spring 5-20-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Douglas DeVore

Second Advisor

Alan Enomoto

Third Advisor

Esmirna Valencia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological conceptual replication study was to discover and describe how exemplary elementary school principals establish common ground and produce breakthrough results by using the six domains of conflict transformational strategies: collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, ethical behavior, problem solving, and shared interest.

Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological conceptual replication study discovered and described the lived experiences of eight exemplary elementary school principals on how they used the six domains of conflict transformational strategies with their stakeholders to produce breakthrough results. Participants led public elementary schools in Los Angeles and Orange counties in California. Data were collected using interview questions aligned with the study’s theoretical framework developed with a thematic group of peer researchers and faculty advisors. Artifacts collected by participants and observations were also used as data. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling based on meeting specific criteria developed by the thematic group.

Findings: The findings from this research indicate that exemplary elementary school principals use the six domains of conflict transformational strategies to establish common ground, successfully work through conflict, and produce breakthrough results. The semi-structured interviews, artifacts, and observations yielded 14 major themes, six major findings, and two unexpected findings.

Conclusions: In conclusion, exemplary elementary school principals use the six domains of conflict transformational strategies to establish common ground and produce breakthrough results by: building relationships; active listening; showing empathy; establishing and modeling expectations of ethical behavior; being respectful; and focusing on students.

Recommendations: The researcher recommends the development of coursework for master’s and doctoral programs to include the six domains of conflict transformational strategies. Additionally, school districts should offer opportunities for exemplary elementary school principals to mentor other principals which would positively impact all schools in the district. Finally, school districts should provide ongoing support to principals in assigned cohorts to collaborate and share their experiences, feelings, and ideas, and to maintain the level of exemplary leadership by using the six domains to create common ground and breakthrough results.

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