An Examination of Conflict Resolution Skills and Leadership Characteristics of Gifted Students

Authors : Songül Geçer, Şule Demirel Dingeç, Ömer Faruk Tamul

Pages : 387-401

Doi:10.21565/ozelegitimdergisi.1459210

View : 162 | Download : 261

Publication Date : 2024-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: Despite the inclusion of leadership skills in the Marland Report, which addresses the characteristics of gifted individuals and their education, there are very few studies, which remained under-researched. Similarly, studies on the conflict resolution skills of gifted individuals, who may show different developmental trajectories in empathy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution compared to their peers, are also scarce. This study, which addresses leadership and conflict resolution skills as part of 21st-century competencies, can provide valuable insights into the status of these skills among gifted individuals. Method: This study aims to examine the level of conflict resolution skills and leadership characteristics of gifted students and the impact of demographic variables that may affect these two skills. Thus, the relational survey model, a quantitative research method, was employed. The leadership skills and conflict resolution skills of the students were analyzed according to grade level, gender, and the presence of siblings. Additionally, the relationship between the two skills was examined through correlation analysis. Convenient sampling, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used, and the present study was conducted with 147 gifted middle school students. Findings: The findings obtained in this study showed that gifted students scored high on both conflict resolution skills and leadership characteristics, and there was a positive and moderate relationship between these two skills. The students’ conflict resolution and leadership skills did not vary by grade level. While leadership skills did not differ by gender, a significant difference was found in favor of female students in the \"seeking compromise\" sub-dimension of conflict resolution skills (p < .05). When examined according to whether the participants had siblings, no statistically significant difference was found in either leadership skills or conflict resolution and its sub-dimensions. Discussion: One possible reason for female students scoring higher in the seeking compromise sub-dimension of the conflict resolution scale could be that female students tend to resolve issues more constructively and collaboratively. Male students may tend to solve conflicts with different solutions.
Keywords : Özel yetenek, özel yetenekli öğrenciler, çatışma, çatışma çözme becerisi, liderlik