Abstract
Educational leader’s by virtue of their position are influential leaders and affect school direction. In a time of educational turbulence and change principals are forced to adapt their leadership practices. Effective principals are usually measured according to a practice perspective and an impact perspective. Principals are therefore required to have the right focus of change and tailor their own leadership practices based on the magnitude of change they are leading. Research on principal effectiveness is needed as changes in principal’s roles and society have raised new and challenging questions about principal effectiveness. The focus of this study is on the requirements for effective leadership in a time of educational turbulence and change. This study implemented qualitative research through in-depth- and focus group interviews and formed the basis for an interpretative perspective. Purposive sampling across four provinces in South Africa allowed principals, educators, school management teams and district officials to reflect on issues regarding effective leadership. The Principal Impact- and McREL’s Balance Leadership Framework formed the structure for this study and guided the researcher in identifying additional variables that an effective leader needs to consider. Recommendations to ensure effective leadership in time of turbulence and never ending change are presented.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Educational Organization and Leadership
KEYWORDS
Effective Leadership Practices
