Adaptive Leadership in Conflict Management in Secondary Schools: A Systems Thinking-Based Case Study

Abstract

This study examines the role of adaptive leadership in conflict management within secondary schools amid increasingly complex educational transformations. A qualitative approach employing a case study design was conducted at SMA Negeri 2 Satu Atap Baamang Sampit, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis and were analyzed using the interactive model of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that adaptive leadership is manifested through flexible decision-making, open communication, and active stakeholder involvement in conflict resolution processes. School conflicts primarily arise from differences in work perceptions, communication barriers, and policy changes. The study concludes that adaptive leadership plays a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts and fostering a collaborative and stable school climate by promoting responsive, participatory, and systems-oriented approaches. These findings highlight the importance of adaptive leadership competencies in supporting effective school management and organizational resilience in the face of ongoing educational change.