Perceptions of Principal Attributes in an Era of Accountability

• In Event: Roundtable Session 90
  In Roundtable Session: Instructional and Transformational Leadership

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of leadership attributes held by 35 principals who performed a Q-sort on 45 transactional, transformational, and laissez-faire leadership statements. The factor and qualitative data analysis revealed two distinct groups of participants who sorted their cards similarly. Factor A members preferred attributes that were collective in mission, purpose, and goals to achieve organization objectives. Factor B members preferred attributes that expressed collegiality and collaboration and a synergy for meeting the needs of the individuals. The study concludes with the introduction of a transformational mission-oriented collaborative leadership model based on a synthesis of the results beginning with a vision then addressing organizational and individual needs to meet the achievement and accountability demands of educational reform policies.

Authors

• Jahmal I. Mosley, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Mary Lynn Boscardin, University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Craig S. Wells, University of Massachusetts - Amherst