The effect of principals' symbolic leadership behaviors on the development of organizational culture

• Main Author: Temple, David W
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-1995
• Subjects: Educational administration; Educational sociology; School administration; Secondary education
• ISBN: 9798208857960

Statement of the problem. Most of the research in the area of organizational culture has been completed in the corporate world. Inquiry into the establishment of culture in the field of education has been rare. Few studies have examined how educational leaders establish their visions through the use of symbols. Even more scarce are investigations of the founder's role in establishing new schools. Purpose. There were three primary purposes to this research. The first was to describe in thick, rich, detailed form the establishment of cultures in a new high school and two new middle schools. The second purpose was to determine the role of the principal in establishing cultures in three new schools. The final purpose was to examine how the principals used symbols to establish the artifacts, espoused values, and basic assumptions of the culture. Methods. Data for a qualitative case study were collected by interviews, observations, and document reviews. The sites were a new high school and two new middle schools. The researcher was the instrument. Data were analyzed using an adaptation of the constant comparative method. Trustworthiness of the data was assured by triangulation, the use of a reflexive journal, and periodic member checking. Results. Data from each school were analyzed resulting in a case study. A narrative was constructed to bring the reader as close to the actual event as possible. A discussion section was constructed by categorizing what emerged as important in each school. Data from all three cases were then synthesized resulting in a cross-case analysis. A graphic conceptualization of the development of organizational culture was developed. Conclusions. The development of culture utilizing symbolic leadership offers the principal an opportunity to establish important ideas or beliefs. The effectiveness and strength of the principal can be measured by how influential he or she is in establishing artifacts and personal values. The ability to communicate utilizing symbolic leadership behaviors determines whether the principal creates a strong culture. While organizational culture remains theoretical in nature, it has practical implications. A leader who effectively utilizes organizational culture and symbolic leadership is a strong and effective leader.