Abstract:
From physical violence to navigating high velocity events, the terrain of a school leader's work has changed into an unenviable position, especially for aspirant leaders. This project, which contributes to other research in school leadership, is about the successes of school leaders effectively navigating such a terrain.
Our ongoing research project captures the success stories of school leaders' responses to such high velocity events. Participants in the study are drawn from across Australia, including aspiring leaders and middle-to-high-ranking leaders in different school systems. The study adopted a mixed methodological approach, using quantitative instruments that sought to determine the demographics of leaders in their school sector, experience, gender, cultural and religious affiliations. The qualitative approaches used guided semi-structured questions with individual interviews and focus groups to further investigate and ratify the leaders' experiences
Since data collection is still ongoing, it is too early to draw steadfast conclusions. However, the pilot study and preliminary results suggest that moderators in managing high velocity events include a leader's ability to draw on past experiences and manage different contextual information, such as imposing constraints on certain requirements. In particular, their effective ways of cultivating coherence around events with others promoted a safe way forward for their communities.
Further analysis will provide an in-depth understanding of these leaders' responses to such events, anticipating that the stories of successful navigation by these leaders will be a source of hope and encouragement for emerging leaders.
Our ongoing research project captures the success stories of school leaders' responses to such high velocity events. Participants in the study are drawn from across Australia, including aspiring leaders and middle-to-high-ranking leaders in different school systems. The study adopted a mixed methodological approach, using quantitative instruments that sought to determine the demographics of leaders in their school sector, experience, gender, cultural and religious affiliations. The qualitative approaches used guided semi-structured questions with individual interviews and focus groups to further investigate and ratify the leaders' experiences
Since data collection is still ongoing, it is too early to draw steadfast conclusions. However, the pilot study and preliminary results suggest that moderators in managing high velocity events include a leader's ability to draw on past experiences and manage different contextual information, such as imposing constraints on certain requirements. In particular, their effective ways of cultivating coherence around events with others promoted a safe way forward for their communities.
Further analysis will provide an in-depth understanding of these leaders' responses to such events, anticipating that the stories of successful navigation by these leaders will be a source of hope and encouragement for emerging leaders.