The multidimensional nature of conflict in academic organizations: Sources, effects, and management of conflicts in faculties of education

This study investigates the perceptions, experiences, and conflict management practices of department chairs working in the faculties of education at one public and one foundation university located in Ankara, Türkiye. Designed as an embedded multiple-case study within a qualitative research framework, the study aims to explore at which levels and for what reasons individual, intra-group, and intergroup conflicts emerge, as well as which management strategies are adopted in response to these conflicts. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with department chairs, faculty members, and research assistants from the faculties of education of the two universities, selected via purposive sampling. The data collection process was supported by field notes and document analysis. Data were analyzed using grounded theory and directed content analysis techniques. The findings indicate that whether conflicts become functional or dysfunctional largely depends on the attitudes and approaches adopted by academic leaders. While some department chairs employed constructive and emotional resilience-based strategies, others demonstrated inadequacies in managing conflict processes, resulting in negative effects on organizational commitment and job satisfaction. By focusing on department chairs' perceptions of organizational conflict, this study addresses a significant gap in the Turkish higher education literature, where such research remains limited. Moreover, it highlights the critical role of mid-level academic leadership in conflict processes within university governance. Through a comparative examination of the distinct contextual dynamics of public and foundation universities, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how organizational culture and governance structures shape conflict dynamics in higher education institutions.