The vice and virtue of conflict in boards: A longitudinal study into the effect of conflicts and cohesion on the task performance of supervisory school boards in the Netherlands

The increased diversity and autonomy of schools calls for a more professional approach to school governance. In response, attention has been directed the structure boards in Netherlands. However, previous research indicates that effectiveness governance is not so much about as it behaviour. Conflict, particular, appears be an important underexposed factor effective behaviour boards. longitudinal design, survey using Likert-scale items was distributed 2016 2017 executive directors Netherlands gauge their assessment conflicts within supervisory board. Hierarchical regression analyses moderator were used test hypotheses. An increase task-related found have clear positive effect on task performance numbers relational had negative control performance, while process-related advisory performance. cohesion board proved relationship results from this underline need multidimensional conceptualisation conflict further interaction between underscored. Boards should make room substantive debate even inevitable friction irritation sometimes inherent being managing schools.