Servant Leadership in Japan: A Principal's Journey of Transforming a High-Minority Junior High School

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Global Perspectives on Educational Leadership

Abstract

This qualitative case study was conducted over a three-year timeframe in order to identify successful principal’s practices that transformed a challenging, high minority, high need school in Western Japan. Interviews and on-site observations were conducted with the principal, other administrators, teacher leaders, and staff members. Data were analyzed through grounded research method using open and axial coding. Results revealed that servant leadership was critical in transforming the school. With the principal’s humble attitude of serving others, the principal earned strong trust from the teachers, staff, the assistant principal, and community members and modeled exemplary leadership that ultimately transformed the school culture.

Authors

• Ruth Ahn, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

• Betty Jane Alford, Cal Poly Pomona State University

• Amy E. Gimino, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona