Successful secondary principalship in Cyprus: What have "Thucydides" and "Plato" revealed to us?

Petros Pashiardis, Antonios Kafa, Christiana Marmara

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into successful secondary school principals in Cyprus, focusing on identifying their actions and behaviours through the adoption of a systemic view of the quality of leadership in school organizations from multiple stakeholders (i.e. self, parents, students and teachers). Design/methodology/approach: This article is the sequel to another paper on successful principalship which was written about successful primary school principals in Cyprus. A multi-case study methodology was followed where data were gathered from a wide range of school stakeholders such as the principal, teachers, students and parents employing a common, semi-structured interview protocol developed specifically for the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) which was translated into Greek and adopted to Cyprus' educational context. Findings: This paper argues that the principals exhibit behaviors and actions such as developing relationships, being committed, being visionary and promoting a collaborative learning environment which, in combination with their passion, devotion and commitment, lead to successful principalship. Originality/value: The paper offers insights into the implications for principals' training by informing policies for recruitment and retention leading to the designing of more effective leadership training programs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)480-493
Number of pages14
JournalInternational Journal of Educational Management
Volume26
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2012

Keywords

  • Case study
  • Cyprus
  • Education
  • Leadership
  • Secondary schools
  • Successful principals

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