Study of the relationships between organizational communication climate and conflict management styles of principals in Oakland Count

The purpose of this study was to examine and explore the relationship between conflict management style and organizational communication climate as it related to communication in Oakland County, Michigan schools. Four research questions were posed to determine the relationship between principals and communication climate in their buildings.;This study was significant because it examined conflict management styles and communication climate. Conflict, a natural part of everyday life, could result from ineffective communication. Effective communication could contribute to an open and productive climate. It was unlikely that a single quick solution could solve the complex issues facing educators. One of the most powerful methods used to resolve conflict was that of integration. The technique of integration was known for having a more positive and long lasting effect, because it was based on the concept of joining powers rather than setting them against each other.;The procedures for this study included a sample of 58 principals and 67 teachers. The Organizational Communication Climate Survey, Organizational Conflict Communication Instrument, and a short demographic survey were used to collect data needed to answer the four research questions.;A significant negative correlation was found between nonconfrontational communication style and descriptive vs. evaluative climate. When confrontational-solution oriented was correlated with the five of the six dimensions of communication climate. The significant relationship between compromise-solution oriented and provisional vs. certainty and problem orientation vs. control indicated principals who used this style were more likely to work in buildings where control and certainty were part of the climate. The six communication climate dimensions were not related to a controlling communication style.;Principals and teachers differed in their perceptions of communication climate (equality vs. superiority and provisional vs. certainty). A significant difference was found among principals on the four communication styles. Regardless of building level, principals tended to perceive similar communication climates within their schools. The number of teachers and size of the building were significant predictors of a confrontational-solution oriented communication style.;This study suggested that principals who used a confrontational-solution oriented approach to problem solving created an open and trusting climate.