This working paper examines the theories of Fred Fiedler concerning the effectiveness of different leadership styles in different situations. Discussed first are the distinctions that Fiedler makes between what he terms relationship-motivated leaders and task-motivated leaders. The next section comprises an explanation of Fiedler's view of…

A study found that conceptual functioning level emerged as an important variable in distinguishing between effective and less effective supervisory intervention. Four supervisors, with their respective supervisees, participated in the study. Participants were videotaped and observed, and transcripts of conference dialogues and participant thought…

Extending research findings that strong administrative leadership is the most important influence on a school system, this paper argues that improved leadership, aided by models of leadership style and behavior, can improve instructional effectiveness. Because a significant correlation has been found between teachers' behavior and student…

This speech describes ongoing research by the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education in Austin, Texas, on the role of the principal in the process of school improvement. Basic assumptions of the research are that change is a process, not an event, that change begins with individuals, and that it involves personal growth; hence,…

A comparative case study examining selected aspects of internal college leadership during financially troubled times is discussed. Continuous negotiation between university presidents and faculty members is explained. Presentation of the budget to the college community is examined, noting how the president may use the event to define hard times…

The problem investigated in this study was to determine how student teachers perceived their cooperating teachers' leadership practices. Specifically, the problem had three parts: (1) to identify leadership behaviors that cooperating teachers used; (2) to see if there were dominant mentoring styles that existed when a cooperating teacher and a…

The instrument designed by Patricia Kearney to measure communication style was chosen for a study of validity and reliability for three reasons: (1) the format of the instrument appeared to be more descriptive than evaluative, (2) its theoretical foundations encouraged the viewpoint that there is no one best communication style, and (3) it was…

Drawing on research conclusions about the process of educational change, this report seeks to demonstrate the importance of understanding the diverse factors that inhibit or enable school improvement efforts. The report focuses on leadership and support in achieving successful change and stresses that principals are but one of several players who…

A study of how principals in effective schools set norms for teacher behavior, student achievement, and educational goals used data from six elementary schools in Tennessee that achieved scores on standardized reading tests substantially higher than scores predicted on the basis of the students' socioeconomic levels. Four primary norm-setting…

The findings of 13 studies of educational change, leadership, and decision-making are summarized in this report. Conducted by the staff of the Project on Administration and Organization for Instruction at the University of Wisconsin Center for Education Research, the studies utilized data gathered in over 100 middle, junior, and senior high…

The techniques and accompanying problems of collecting data on interventions are explored. As a result of the analyses of two previous studies (Colorado and Kentucky Ethnographic Studies, 1979; and Texas, 1981) a hybrid-method of documenting interventions was developed for use in the Principal-Teacher Interaction Study (PTI). This paper traces the…

This technical report provides an annotated bibliography of senior leadership literature with an emphasis on necessary skills and functions. It was compiled through a literature search that determined the state of the art of research and theory on senior leadership skills, functions, activities, and other job related characteristics. One hundred…

"Whether it is to further learning in general, or discipline in particular, teachers must effectively exercise power." Five power bases available to teachers are identified in this paper each containing the common element that they are all dependent upon student beliefs. These power bases are: (1) coercive power, based on a student's belief that…

The development of the silicon chip and the microcomputer has caused the current age to be termed the "information age." Computer technology needs to be incorporated into the educational scene as computer literacy becomes a required skill. The National Labor Statistics Bureau projects that 75 percent of all jobs will require computer knowledge in…

Research investigating why women are underrepresented in college and private organizational administrative positions is reviewed. It was found that the differential rate of women in administrative positions is not due to their lack of proper credentials. Other reasons that have been cited are: typical female characteristics make it impossible for…