Educational Leadership Commons^™

An Analysis Of The Connection Between A Principal Development Program And Executive Leadership, David (Jay) Jones

Education Dissertations and Projects

America faces the following problems related to the supply of school principals: shortage, poor understanding of the changed role, and inadequate training. In response to problems, the state of North Carolina has implemented the School Executive Standards to evaluate principals and drive the professional development of them. The purpose of this descriptive study was to report on the perceptions of principals and assistant principals regarding the connection between a district level principal development program and preparation to meet the "North Carolina School Executive Standards". A sequential QUAN-QUAL analysis was applied to data collected through a survey and individual interviews. Measures …

Leadership In The Bachelor Of Education: A Dialogue Between Student And Professor, Lauren Sacchetti, Jennifer Barnett

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

There are true leaders in education who have overcome the traditional ways of hierarchical thinking and have developed transformational and collaborative orientations. They accomplished this in spite of the fact that our school system does not support these foci. As part of the educational system, the Bachelor of Education program contributes little to the development of this type of leadership in its students.

Adaptive Leadership: Leadership Theory Or Theoretical Derivative?, Bill Cojocar

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Today’s public and private business leaders and leaders of our Armed Forces are faced with challenges that require leadership that is capable of tackling and solving complex problems and issues, with collective, collaborative, timely effective, and innovative solutions. This set of challenges requires leadership that spans the spectrum of leadership theories, traits, and stylistic approaches that is very adaptive, yet direct in nature. This type of leadership is defined as ‘adaptive leadership’ and is a style of leadership that is developing into a new theory of its own, evolving from situational, transformational, contingency, and complexity theories, as described by Nastanski, …

Emergence Of Strategic Human Resource Management Historical Perspective, Nadeem Malik

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Organization today, by necessity have become more focused on exploiting sources of competitive advantage in the face of rapid environmental, technological and global economic changes. According to Pfeffer (1994:14), as other sources of competitive success have become less important, what remains a crucial, differentiating factor is the organization, its employees and how they work. Additionally, he states that the current recognition among strategic management researchers is that sustained competitive advantage arises more from a firms internal resource endowments and resource deployments particularly its human capital that are imperfectly imitable than from a firm’s product market position. These “people” issues used …

A Dynamic Systems View On Leadership, Talent, And Intelligence, Wolf Kozel

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

A key question concerning leadership is whether leaders are born or made. Research has shown that although genetic temperament may play a role, environment is a large factor (Ceci, 1996). A determinist point-of-view may consider that if something exists, then it can be measured and organizations would be foolish not to use tests to assess talent and leadership. In contrast, however, a dynamic systems view of leadership would contend that the variables that determine leadership are numerous, interacting, with small differences sometimes resulting in great changes.

Educational Leadership: The Relationship Between Spirituality And Leadership Practices, Gerra Perkins, Nelda Wellman, Wendell Wellman

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Throughout American history, schools and educational leaders have been in the spotlight because of the eminent task of preparing the young of our nation for competition within a global economy and the marketplace of ideas. Educational leaders have moved through the stages of management, industrial efficiency, and cultural leadership finally concluding that school management requires more than efficiency and organization (Brickham, 1996). With the advent of tough-minded management and the realization of the difference between a leader and a manager, combined with an increase in the high school dropout rate, awareness developed that something was not working in American Schools …

Leadership And Organisational Culture: Can The Ceo And Senior Executive Teams In Bureaucratic Organisations Influence Organisational Culture?, Glenys Drew

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The pressure on higher education to embrace a change agenda to cope with an increasingly complex operating environment has been growing over recent years (Hanna, 2003; Pick, 2003). Hanna (2003) writes that “higher education institutions must change – and, indeed, are changing – to meet future needs,” (p. 26) and that they will need to address a number of strategic challenges as they “transform themselves to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and dynamic environment.” (p. 26) These changes may require embracing different ways of operating, forging new and different partnerships to attract funds and undertake research, and streamlining …

Peer Mentor Leadership Training: Theory And Implementation, James Rubin

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

College is a time of major transition for young adults. It presents a unique opportunity as decisions regarding a wide variety of options unfold for the first time without being under the guidance and eye of a guardian. Chosen paths offer a glimpse into the inner motivations behind one’s character and the interest that many students have shown for peer mentoring exemplifies traits of benevolence and leadership. In addition to providing peers with a positive role model, there are opportunities for mentors to expand on many interpersonal qualities that are important for success in a multitude of contexts. Integral to …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Good And Bad Leaders In Seven Cultures, Raymond Zepp, Daniel Eckstein, Mona Khalid, Chi-Sing Li

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Educational practices are becoming increasingly globalized, and as a result, countries around the world are implementing reforms along the lines of American and European practices, although the cultural implications of these changes are not always being fully realized. Only recently have educational thinkers begun to address cultural issues in educational leadership.

Leadership As It Promotes A Culture Of Trust And An Open School Climate: A Catholic Secondary School Perspective, Constance Slavin Mccue

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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An Evaluation Of The Long-Term Effectiveness Of A Women's Leadership Development Program, Kirsten S. Ericksen

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Women's Institute for Leadership Development (W.I.L.D.) program to determine the immediate and long-term impact as defined by the alumni program participants from three cohorts (2008, 2005, 2003). A secondary focus of the career transition decision-making of recent W.I.L.D. participants was also investigated. Qualitative (individual interviews and W.I.L.D. inventory open-ended written responses) and quantitative [Career Transitions Inventory, (CTI), and the W.I.L.D. inventory] results were examined. Within group and between group differences were analyzed using a paired samples t-test, while a grounded theory approach indicated emerging themes for the immediate and long-term …

Virginia Public School Superintendents’ Perceptions Of The Leadership Practices Utilized To Lead Urban, Rural, And Suburban School Divisions, Brian P. Fellows

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in the perceptions of the leadership practices utilized by Virginia superintendents in rural, urban, and suburban school divisions. Never before in the history of public education has the spotlight shone so brightly on the field of public education. The federal government seeks guarantees that every child is being educated based on a minimum level of standards and that every school in the country is making annual progress. In this era of accountability, school systems, superintendents, principals, and teachers across Virginia are under immense pressure to have their individual …

The Symbiotic Nature Of The Leader-Follower Relationship And Its Impact On Organizational Effectiveness, Jillian Gilbert, Sergio Matviuk

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The field of leadership studies is overflowing with discussions and explorations of leadership contribution and influence (Winston & Patterson, 2005; Miller, 2007). Unfortunately, as some researchers such as Frye, Kisselburgh & Butts (2007) point out, discussions and research on the full capacity and capabilities of followership are scarce. This lack of research limits our understanding about the impact of followership in organizations. The lack of research derives from a leader-centered approach that has traditionally dominated the field of leadership studies (Lord and Brown, 2003). Also, out of the academic circles society still tends to focus on leadership as positions contained …

Sports Metaphors As A Motivational Leadership Strategy, Kay Woelfel

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

In schools, the theme of sports can be used throughout the building to motivate staff and students. The students are players, staff members are coaches, and the administration are head coaches. All are necessary members of the team, and all must work together to achieve team goals. This theme kicks off the school year by having a training camp for staff (professional development) to launch the beginning of the school year. Sports-themed snacks including peanuts, popcorn, and crackerjacks and giveaways such as pompoms in school colors, pennants, and sports-themed school supplies generate interest.

New Perspectives On Academic Leadership Moving The Research Agenda, Sabine Hotho, Jim Mcgoldrick, Alastair Work

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The purpose of this paper is threefold: 1. to expand the theory base underpinning academic leadership and HRD; 2. to expand theoretical frameworks to challenge prevailing myths about the ‘unwilling academic manager’; 3. to open up new research avenues and questions which have a better chance of constructively supporting HRD practice in HE.

Mathematical Conformation Of Leadership Based On Erosmatic, Nadeem Malik, Shafeequr Rehman, Davood Salmani

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Mathematical conformation of leadership based on Erosmatic

Leadership Transitions: The Key To Organizational Success, Bharti Venkatesh

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

There is a growing recognition in the business world that a good leadership strategy can significantly improve business results. At the same time, good leaders seem to be rare things these days. According to recent study, it has been found that recruiting and retaining qualified leaders has become crucial challenge facing businesses today and in the future.

Leadership In Indigenous Education, Nola Purdie, Jenny Wilkinson

Indigenous Education Research

This brief scoping paper was developed around the theme of ‘What’s happening in Indigenous leadership in education in Australian schools?’ A dual focus for this theme was noted: leadership for Indigenous education; and leadership by Indigenous principals and teachers.

The authors provide an overview of current issues in educational leadership that were derived, in the main, from papers presented at the 2007 ACER conference on educational leadership. Current offerings and opportunities in the area of Indigenous leadership and leadership for Indigenous education include those operating through the Australian Principals Associations Professional Development Council (APAPDC), principally through the Dare to Lead …

Attraction: The Secret Of Teaching, Learning, And Leadership, Kay Woelfel

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The Secret, reveals that the single attribute that ensures success is one that every great educator has always had in his repertoire. Rhonda Byrne (2006, 4) says that “the greatest teachers who have ever lived have told us that the law of attraction is the most powerful law in the Universe.” Byrne points to poets, musicians, artists, and thinkers like Shakespeare, Beethoven, da Vinci, Socrates, Plato, and other legends. But lesser mortals, teachers and administrators in the field, also have known that “attraction” is the secret to school success. Jon Saphier and Robert Gower (1987, 2) put forth this idea …

Transformational Leadership Practices Of Teacher Leaders, Gary Alger

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Although many schools are developing teachers as leaders, researchers have not sufficiently investigated the leadership behaviors of these individuals. Therefore, using data collected from teacher leaders and their principals, I addressed three questions in this study: 1. What are the leadership practices of teacher leaders, as perceived by the teacher leaders and their principals? 2. Are there significant differences between the perceptions of teacher leaders and principals regarding the leadership practices of teacher leaders? 3. Are selected demographic variables of teacher leaders, specifically age, years of experience, educational level, and gender related to the leadership behaviors of teacher leaders?

A Study Of Relationship Between Consequences Of Leadership And Transformational Leadership Style Of The Presidents Of Iranian Universities And Institutions Of Higher Education, Nasrin Noorshahi

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

All through history, leadership has been a part of human societies. When leadership is considered as a function, it is an important dimension of management whose presence and existence depends on several skills which can be taken as methods or styles of leadership and guidance on the part of a group of people in order to achieve a certain goal (Bennett and Anderson, 2003).

Institutional Servant Leadership: A Catalyst For Urban Community Sustainability, Brian Grizzell

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Servant leadership is a growing practice that calls for community leaders (politicians, clergy, and educational centers) to be more pragmatic and lead others by serving them. Inspired by principles of religion, servant leadership implies that true servants make true leaders (Greenleaf, 2002, 21). They must be flexible in their approach and responsive to the needs of those they serve. Servant leaders must also provide a fresh outlook based on their past experiences and contribute to society by meeting its demands in an earnest effort. Exhibiting such behavior definitely may have a positive impact on others; thus inspiring them to do …

Designing And Implementing A Competency-Based Curriculum: Leadership Implications, Ralitsa Akins, Oscar Ingaramo, Maia Eppler, Gilbert Handal

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Choices in leadership decision-making reflect forces stemming from the leader, the environment and the group, where the quality of the decision and its acceptance are at stake (Yukl 1981). In academic institutions, establishing a supportive learning environment is not sufficient for achieving desired changes; implementing and sustaining the leader’s vision becomes absolutely necessary (Stinson, Pearson, and Lucas 2006).

Academic Leadership On Faculty Performance, Stephanos Gialamas

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive approach for a yearly faculty performance evaluation report which includes the following components: (1) establishing a Yearly Faculty Performance Evaluation Plan (FPEP); (2) conducting a mid-year faculty self progress report; (3) creating a mid-year faculty progress evaluation report; (4) making a mid-year adjustment of the performance evaluation plan; (5) creating an end of the year faculty self-evaluation report; (6) conducting an end of the year faculty performance evaluation report.

Can Business Leaders Learn From Leaders Of Today’S Megachurches?, Peter A. Maresco

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

In 2005, Malcolm Gladwell, author of the best selling books, The Turning Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference (Little, Brown & Company, 2000) and Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking (Little, Brown & Company, 2005), wrote an article titled The Cellular Church that appeared in The New Yorker Magazine (9/12/05). The article retells the story of the beginnings and the growth of Pastor Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church located in the Saddleback Valley of Orange County, California. In re-reading the article I found an interesting quote attributed to Jack Welch, the former chairman of General Electric and …

Development Of Future Leaders: A Case Study On The Bank Of Thailand (Bot), Adisak Chandprapalert, Suda Suwannapirom

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

In the chaotic, volatile and complex business environment at the present time, an organization must be able to learn from and adapt to changes in order to enhance competitive advantage. As a result, leaders who make strategic decisions must adopt a new mind-set as new realities emerge and encourage strategic flexibility across and within their organizations (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson, 2005). There are two significant factors to be strategically flexible on a continuing basis including leaders must develop an organization vision with a corresponding strategic plan and have the ability to manage changes (Zaccaro & Banks, 2004). Vision and leadership …

Leaders And Leadership Roles In Relation To Effective Management Of The Human Resources, John Inyang

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The term leader is defined as a person initiating interaction with other members of a group, a person who moves the group towards group goal. The dictionary definition of a leader is ‘one who leads or goes first’. In other words one who first perceives the group’s needs far ahead of others and therefore plans and enlists the cooperation of others in its implementation. A person is a leader in any social situation in which his ideas and actions influence the thoughts and behaviours of others. The concept of a ‘leader’ therefore implies role-playing for some time. To be called …

The Blogging College And University President: Academic Leadership In The Age Of Web 2.0, David Wyld

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Blogs are certainly at the forefront of the Web 2.0 movement. Blogging has been alternatively categorized as both “the next big thing” (Gallo, 2004) and an “Internet Wasteland” (Anonymous, 2003). In a nutshell, a blog can be differentiated from a website in that it is an easier to create and update web vehicle, usually simply by typing into a preprogrammed interface. From a definitional perspective, a blog refers to an online journal that can be updated regularly, with entries typically displayed in chronological order. While blogs now encompass not only text, but video and audio as well, it is generally …

Leadership Orientations Ofcommunity College Presidents And The Administrators Who Report To Them: A Frame Analysis, Michele Mcardle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Presidents of Community Colleges and the administrators who reported directly to them were the subjects for this study based on the Four Frame Leadership Theory of Bolman and Deal (1990b). The Leadership Orientation (Self) Survey (LOS) was mailed to 169 community college presidents and administrators in the presidents' direct report teams. The final usable response rate of 69.82% to the survey fell within the acceptable range for education as defined by Boser and Green (1997). In addition, the subjects were asked to write about the most difficult challenge they had faced in their current position and how they handled that …

Where Does Conflict Management Fit In The System's Leadership Puzzle?, Vickie S. Cook, Linda Johnston

Faculty Articles

Superintendents are faced with conflicts every day. The conflicts arise around issues of personnel, community roles, funding, politics, and work/life balance. Good leadership involves an understanding of how to deal with conflict, whom to involve in the conflict resolution, how to set up structures and processes that ensure conflict doesn't reoccur, and the ability to use conflict in a positive manner. Superintendents look to current literature to assist with the development of positive conflict resolution skills. These skills are not only preferable for current superintendents, but necessary for positive career development of future superintendents. Several authors have examined the various …