Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management Styles of School Heads and Organizational Climate of Secondary Schools

AUTHOR(S)

PAUL ARIEL C. QUITALIG

ABSTRACT

— This study investigates the interrelationship among emotional intelligence, conflict management styles, and organizational climate in public secondary schools on Samar Island, Philippines. Utilizing a quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design, the study engaged 747 respondents—comprising 169 school heads and 578 teachers—to examine how the emotional intelligence and conflict management styles of educational leaders impact the broader school environment. Emotional intelligence was assessed across five dimensions: self-awareness, emotional regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Conflict management styles examined included collaboration, competition, avoidance, accommodation, and compromise. Organizational climate was analyzed through multiple indicators, including role clarity, communication, innovation, and team support. Results revealed that school heads rated highest in social skills and lowest in motivation. Collaboration emerged as the dominant conflict management style, while competition was the least utilized. Organizational climate was perceived most positively in terms of role clarity and least in innovation. Statistically significant differences were observed between school heads and teachers in their perceptions of emotional intelligence and organizational climate, though no such differences were found regarding conflict management styles. Emotional intelligence showed a significant positive correlation with organizational climate, while conflict management styles did not. Notably, an interaction effect was identified between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles in influencing organizational climate. The findings underscore the critical role of emotional intelligence in shaping effective school leadership and fostering a positive organizational climate. The study concludes with a proposed training framework aimed at enhancing school heads’ emotional and conflict management styles to support institutional development and educational outcomes. Keywords — Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management Styles, School Heads, Organizational Climate