Women school principals: representation and leadership styles

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Date
2002-12
Authors
Bee Lee, Lim
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Abstract
The study investigates the factors influencing women teachers' decisions whether or not to take on principalship positions, the nature of the experiences of women principals and explores the leadership characteristics of two female principals. The purpose of the study was to describe key characteristics of female leadership and to analyse the disproportionate representation of women in principalship positions in order to address the issue of under-representation. Findings of the study reveal that women are underrepresented as principals of secondary schools in Malaysia. The first reason why the majority of women teachers are reluctant to accept promotions to such positions is psychological. Second, socio-cultural factors affect their decisions. Third. organisational factors come into play in their decision-making. The study also shows that women as heads of secondary schools have facilitating influences that have enabled them to move into such positions. Headship positions are challenging and demand sacrifices from them. The key characteristics of female leadership, exemplified by the case studies, show the intensity of the emotional strain on women principals. However, women principals display not only great moral and spiritual strength but also great tenacity of mind and purpose in administering their schools.
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Keywords
School principals: , Leadership styles
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