Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to reveal the nature of the relationship between transformational leadership style and conflict management within primary schools in Dammam, by exploring the extent to which transformational leadership practices of school principals influence their conflict management strategies. Methods: A descriptive correlational approach was used, and a questionnaire was employed as the data collection instrument. The study population consisted of all primary school teachers in Dammam, totaling 1592 teachers. A questionnaire was developed, comprising two sections: one on transformational leadership and the other on conflict management strategies. The number of respondents was 307 teachers. Results: The results showed that the degree to which primary school principals in Dammam use transformational leadership, from the teachers' perspective, was moderate, with a mean score of 3.32. The results also showed that the level of conflict management among primary school principals in Dammam, from the teachers' perspective, was moderate, with a mean score of 2.64. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive relationship was found between the degree of transformational leadership and conflict management strategies among primary school principals in Dammam. There was no difference in the responses of the study participants based on the variables of years of experience and academic qualifications, and no statistically significant differences were found at the (alpha <= 0.05) level attributable to the effect of academic qualifications and experience in all areas and the overall score. Conclusions: The study recommended strengthening the application of transformational leadership, providing periodic training programs for school principals, and encouraging primary school principals and teachers to participate in decision-making.