An Analysis of Principal's Leadership Dealing With School Violence: Multiple Case Study
The purpose of this research was to examine leadership behaviors exhibited by two principals in working with their school communities during and after a school crisis using Bolman and Deal's (2002) four frames of organizational leadership. The four frames were: structural, human resources, political and symbolic. The researcher obtained an understanding of the leadership behaviors using interviews and document analysis. Using a multiple case study approach, the researcher focused on two high school principals from a Southern Arizona urban school district. Each principal experienced a major fight over the past three years. The case studies examined leadership decisions and strategies implemented by the principal and others in relationship to a fight that took place between students.Some of the recommendations for educators included a school crisis team, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, understanding District guidelines and procedures, controlling the decision making process, use of district resources and trained personnel, providing opportunities to meet with teachers and parents, fostering trust, open and honest communication, grief intervention and counseling, and planning crisis response activities. The leadership styles of both principals differed tremendously. Each was unique in their response to the crisis situation. The four frames of organizational leadership (Bolman & Deal, 2002) provided a powerful lens to view principal leadership and behaviors.
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