Purpose: This study explored the different manifestations that school principals attribute to their sense of loneliness, with reference to their career seniority. The study posed two questions: (1) what are the various interpretations that school principals attribute to their sense of loneliness, in regard to the way in which it is manifested in…

Purpose: The purpose of this multiyear research study is to examine leadership in K-12 schools using a positive organizational perspective to understand how to foster, support and encourage flourishing in schools. In this article, the authors describe the lived experiences of a small group of principals and vice-principals in K-12 schools…

Purpose: Singapore is a country with low teacher attrition rates and high performance on international assessments (TIMSS 2011/2015 and PISA 2012/2015). Consequently, its education system is often considered as a model for other nations. The purpose of this paper is to extend research on teacher job satisfaction in Singapore and provide…

School leaders face tensions at global, macropolitical, policy, and school levels resulting from simultaneous and contradictory influences toward sameness and difference. Government and school leaders can deal with these tensions by challenging the sameness that typifies school operations and valuing and learning from differences among school…

Examines school reform's effects on principals' professional leadership culture, drawing on research findings from 1993 to 1998, and highlighting possible future reforms in Victoria, Australia. Principals are more satisfied with present, than past, work arrangements. Leadership is more strategic and empowering than heroic or hands-on. (44…

This article first summarizes literature that argues educators are highly stressed, as well as small but growing body of literature that indicates a contrary point of view. Then presents the outcomes of three studies conducted in New York State that indicate relatively low stress in school principals and teachers. Finally, it explores possible…

An Australian principal who participated in an exploratory study to ascertain the extent and sources of stress among school principals realized that many of his colleagues felt isolated and unsupported. The study relates the high incidence of anxiety and depression among principals to conceiving educational administration as a technical activity.…

Investigates the sources, incidence, and intensity of administrative stress among Zimbabwean headteachers, based on a survey of 95 principals. Respondents experienced relatively high stress levels. Several demographic characteristics and school variables (particularly double-shift schools) affected principals' perceptions of stress-inducing…

Reports responses of 643 public school principals in British Columbia to a survey on coping with administrative stress. Principals who set realistic goals, approach problems optimistically and objectively, engage in spiritual-growth activities, take minivacations, and are actively involved in their communities are likely to be in better health and…

Queried 15 midwestern public school superintendents concerning the qualities valued in subordinates, factors limiting professional success, and criteria used to determine successful problem resolution. Superintendents also described the most serious problems faced in their careers and their greatest achievements. Participants valued individual…

Explores school leadership in Britain's newly privatized and marketized professional-development environment. Considers a model to identify key elements in a "professional development culture." Examines the development coordinator's role as a "delegated leader." Suggests a model for exploring the relationship between continuing…

Drawing on Christopher Lasch's insights, this essay acknowledges the difficulty of applying building and renovation metaphors to educational administration. However, institutions are constantly being created and recreated. They are well served by administrators who function as "builders" and "renovators," leaving behind…

Chronicles perceived dilemmas of 20 Australian principals whose work lives were preoccupied with school restructuring. Findings suggest two main types of dilemmas: general, personal/professional "states of mind" and specific, practical organizational dilemmas. Research is needed on devising management solutions and improving leadership…

An exploratory field study of 1,156 Oregon school administrators identified 12 sources of stress shared at all administrative levels. These stressors included complying with rules, attending meetings, completing reports on time, gaining public support, resolving parent-school conflicts, evaluating staff, making decisions affecting others, and five…

Explores significant differences in occupational stress between groups of public school teachers in New South Wales, Australia. Underlines the importance of differentiating between executive and classroom teachers, elementary and secondary teachers, and teachers at different career stages and geographical locations when considering stress…