Role of culture: Effective elementary principals describe leading in an era of continuous reforms
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore how effective elementary school principals described the role of culture in leadership during an era of continuous reforms. A case study methodology was used to consider the perspectives of research participants: two elementary principals leading schools with both high levels of academic achievement and positive school climate. For over a year, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document review. Findings revealed the effective elementary principals involved in the study described: (1) positive culture as the priority in leadership during an era of continuous reforms; (2) distinct approaches to leadership; (3) the importance of a good fit between a school and its leadership; and (4) influences of district culture. The researcher concluded, for the effective leaders in this study, school culture was the highest priority. While each principal had a distinct approach best suited to her unique site, both used school culture to accomplish organizational objectives, emphasizing trusting relationships to unify collective efforts in overcoming challenges created by continuous reforms. These conclusions led to recommendations for elementary school principals for effective leadership during an era of continuous reforms and suggestions for future research in this area.
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- OSU Dissertations [11222]