“Racial Intelligence”: A Needed Attribute of Educational Leadership?

• In Event: The Mulitfaceted Dimensions of Leadership Disposition

Abstract

In recent years there has been much interest in the importance of ‘emotional intelligence’ as a positive attribute of the successful leader. This paper examines a concept of ‘racial intelligence’ and its applicability to the field of educational leadership. Through the use of in-depth phenomenological interviews with eight male leaders of African-Caribbean heritage in headship or senior leadership positions in secondary schools in London, England, this paper seeks to identify the attributes associated with a concept of racial intelligence. The paper concludes that an understanding of the concept of racial intelligence or cultural competency, that is the different cultural norms, experiences and leadership approaches of men from the African Diaspora, expands our understanding of leadership paradigms within the education profession.

Author

• Phillip A Smith, Teachers College, Columbia University