ORGANIZATIONAL PERSPECTIVE AND SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL PRINCIPALS (INDIANA; MICHIGAN)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent public school principals have developed a politicl systems perspective and the independent variables that can be associated with such a perspective. The 193 subjects of the investigation were randomly selected from from the population of elementary and secondary school principals in Indiana and Michigan. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data on eight variables. Eight hypotheses examining relationships between the dependent variables (leadership style, participation in local community organization, ranking of influentials affecting curriculum decisions, total years experience as principal, school level, principals sex and ethnicity) were tested. Tweleve hypotheses were developed to test relationships between the independent variables. Ninety-four percent of the principals reported that they have developed a political systems perspective. Further analysis of the data suggested, however, that the principals have not developed a political systems perspective outside of the parameters of the school. A principals systems perspective was not significantly related to or affected by leadership style, participation in local organizations, years of experience, school level, sex, or ethnicity. There was strong and significant agreement within and between all of the subgroups in overall ranking of influences on curriculum decisions. A positive relationship existed between participation in community organizations and work experience. School level was significantly correlated with a principals sex; 94% of the females were at the elementary level.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
School administration
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