A qualitative research on organizational peace in schools

Abstract

The concept of organisational peace is a dynamic situation that can develop through open communication, whose main elements are justice, trust and goodwill, and affect the peace and happiness of individuals. Organisational peace consists of two dimensions such as ‘internal organisational peace’ and ‘external organisational peace’. ‘Internal organisational peace’, which is formed by relations and conditions within the organisation itself, is influenced by four factors such as individual, organisational, managerial and job characteristics. The ‘external organisational peace’, which is formed by the organisation's relations with others, stems from the direct–indirect, optional or obligatory interactions of the organisation. External organisational peace is influenced by five factors such as hierarchical relations, close environment, other organisations, society and global relations. This research is the first study that provides a conceptual framework for the concept of organisational peace and examines the concept of organisational peace empirically. The aim of this study is to determine the views of teachers in the ‘internal organisational peace’ dimension in schools. The research was carried out in the phenomenological design of qualitative research methods. The study group consisted of 10 teachers selected by the criterion sampling method. Teachers explain the concept of organisational peace with happiness, common goals, cooperation, justice, comfort, democratic values, harmony, respect and healthy communication. Factors that promote ‘internal organisational peace’ are positive personality, job satisfaction, fair practices, effective organisational communication, competencies of managers and good physical conditions of the job. Factors that prevent ‘internal organisational peace’ are negative personality, violent behaviour, unfair management, closed communication and bad physical conditions of the job.

Keywords: Organisational peace, school, Turkey.