Exploring the Characteristics, Traits, and Qualities of Women Seeking and Obtaining a Secondary School Principalship
Abstract This study aimed to understand the characteristics, traits, and qualities of womenseeking and obtaining high school principalships. Leadership theories such as the Great Man theory has traditionally viewed leadership skills as gendered and has privileged men and masculine qualities. However, trait and behavioral theorists have argued that people can learn to be leaders and that women also possess the traits that suit them for leadership positions. This study relied on in-depth interviews with female high school principals about their career journey to leadership positions to reveal their shared characteristics, traits, or qualities. In addition, the study provided insight to support opportunities for other women seeking a high school principalship. This study found several characteristics, traits, or qualities that female high school principals shared, and they were selected for their position based on those qualities. Keywords: leadership, principalship, traits, characteristics
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