Researching Principals: Context and Culture in the Study of Leadership in Schools

Abstract

The role of the school principal has in recent years attracted the urgent attention of politicians, practitioners, parents and others in many parts of the world. This has resulted in the generation of some research and a very substantial literature. Why then should we need yet more studies of principalship? This paper examines two key reasons: because the role of the principal is important in determining levels of school effectiveness and pupil achievement; and because much of what we ‘know’ is of doubtful value insofar as it is out of date, based on limited research methodology and attention to contextual or cultural considerations. The paper advocates use of a three level biographic model for such research, and seeks to illustrate its merits drawing upon the work of the authors and other studies undertaken in East Asia.