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The distribution of leadership between vice-principals and principals in Singapore
Citation
Ho, J., Imran Shaari, & Kang, T. (2024). The distribution of leadership between vice-principals and principals in Singapore. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 27(1), 179-199. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2020.1849811
Abstract
This article examines the distribution of leadership between vice-principals and principals in Singapore. Vice-principals are an important leadership source in schools because they contribute to various key functions in school, including staff development, student learning and management. This research is on vice-principals’ contributions which are underrepresented in the literature. The study consisted of interviews of 28 vice-principals and 10 principals from 37 schools in Singapore. A mixed case-oriented and theme-oriented strategy was adopted, with member checking conducted through a case write up for each vice-principal. The findings illustrate how vice-principals worked with principals to co-set directions, motivate staff, lead instruction, and promote a desired culture. The study suggests the possibility of viewing the vice-principal and the principal as a leadership couple, with each performing complementary or overlapping practices, through a combination of collaborated and collective distribution. The study also illustrates vice-principals’ leadership and agency vis-à-vis principals’, which otherwise have been neglected.
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Journal
International Journal of Leadership in Education
Dataset
https://doi.org/10.25340/R4/LTXDQA
Project
OER 30/17 HPY
Grant ID
Education Research Funding Programme
Funding Agency
Ministry of Education, Singapore