Merit selecting school leaders: Australian principals' perspectives

Kevin Steed*, John De Nobile, Manjula Waniganayake

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    55 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Purpose: This research paper explores the perspectives of Australian school principals in the state of New South Wales (NSW) regarding what they believe constitutes “merit” when selecting deputy principals, assistant principals (primary) and head teachers (secondary). Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was utilised to collect qualitative and quantitative data from school principals across the state of NSW to investigate their understanding of, and approach to, the merit selection of their respective school leadership cadres. Findings: Study findings indicated a statewide variance in the perceptions of principals when identifying merit for the purposes of recruiting school leadership teams. These findings question the widely held view that candidates compete for school leadership positions on a level playing field. Practical implications: In practical terms, the findings indicate that NSW school principals would benefit from more intensive professional learning opportunities designed to enhance their ability to objectively identify and assess merit when selecting school leaders. Originality/value: This study contributes to an enhanced understanding in an area where there is a paucity of research-based evidence focusing upon the perspectives of school principals regarding their understanding of meritocratic theory and its influence on their school leadership selection practice.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1303-1315
    Number of pages13
    JournalInternational Journal of Educational Management
    Volume34
    Issue number8
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 25 Apr 2020

    Keywords

    • meritocracy
    • school leadership
    • merit selection
    • homosociability

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Merit selecting school leaders: Australian principals' perspectives'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this