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.

Name thesis:degree_name

EdD

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Leadership

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Arizona.

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Neal, Rosanne Renee

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bosworth, Kris

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Taylor, John
• Pedicone, John

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Language dc:language.iso

EN

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/194176

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/194176