The Characteristics of Conflict Experienced by Childcare Workers While Engaging in Child-Rearing Support: An Analysis of Cases Revealed Through a Questionnire Survey

Abstract

In order to get a better understanding of how to resolve conflicts that develop when childcare center workers engage in child-rearing support, a questionnaire survey was conducted.

The questionnaire specifically addressed the following three dimensions: conflict frequency, conflict type, and conflict content. The questionnaire results found that about 70% of respondents had experienced conflict, and that the “child priority type” of conflict was most common, frequently occurring in association with childcare rather than during direct interactions with parents. It was found that conflicts experienced by childcare workers included biases related to prioritizing either the child or the parent, and difficulties with work duties, showing that such conflicts were qualitatively diverse. The possibility that such conflicts included ethical dilemmas was also inferred. The childcare worker’s individual values, concern over the deterioration of the parent-worker relationship, and a weak awareness of the childcare worker’s professional responsibilities, were believed to play a significant role. Accordingly, the solution model for conflicts associated with child-rearing support needs to distinguish between individual values and professional values, and must develop=professional ethics as the foundation for ethical decision making.