Research supports the theory that evidence-based management practices increase efficiencies in organizations. This study explores the use of evidence-based management among school principals and recognizes the differences with the autonomy and accountability of school system administrators. The review of literature examines the history of management in education, the ongoing debate over a knowledge base for educational administration, positivism and postmodern considerations, and a more utilitarian approach to the epistemological debate in educational leadership. The research study instrument is based upon an adapted World Management Survey, Education Instrument (World Management Survey, n.d.) and uses forced-choice survey and narrative response formats. Basic descriptive statistics were computed and analyzed and indicated a moderate level of application [operations, (M=3.6), performance, (M=3.69), target, (M=3.45), and talent, (M=3.02)] for each of the management factors measured by the survey. Pearson's zero-order correlational analysis was conducted on items six through 25 from the forced-choice section of the survey and indicated positive significant relationships between and among most items (p<0.05). Narrative responses regarding school leader and system autonomy and accountability present greater variance and suggest that systems' use of evidence-based management diverges significantly. Suggestions from the research include evidence-based management may provide an integrative framework for educational administrators and provide a path for effective and efficient implementation of system goals and vision. Suggestions for further research include examining the overreliance on context and perceived uniqueness of school systems, the synergy between social justice goals and evidence-based management, evidence-based management's inclusion to the knowledge base for educational administration, and inclusion among preparation programs for principals. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]