A comparative analysis of leadership attitudes of male and female elementary public school principals in Arkansas.

摘要

The purpose of the study was to compare the attitudes of male and female elementary public school principals in Arkansas using the leadership dimensions of Consideration and Initiation of Structure. A second purpose of the study was to compare the leadership attitudes of male and female elementary public school principals with certain demographic variables which might have an effect on leadership attitudes.;The Leadership Opinion Questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 315 principals in selected counties in Arkansas. Of the 315 questionnaires mailed, 152 or 48 percent were returned. A.01 level of significance was established as the measuring criterion of all statistical analysis operations involving the hypotheses.;From this study, no significant difference was determined to exist between male and female elementary public school principals in Arkansas. In the leadership dimensions of Consideration and Initiation of Structure, male and female principals demonstrated similar attitudes toward leadership.;The following conclusions were drawn from the study: (1) Male and female elementary public school principals in Arkansas are similar in attitudes involving a leadership style characterized by mutual trust, respect, friendship, and warmth between themselves and their respective staff. (2) Male and female elementary public school principals in Arkansas are similar in attitudes involving a leadership style characterized by leader organization, clear definition of group relationships, and well defined patterns of goal attainment. (3) Varying demographic variables describing the (a) age, (b) education level, (c) type of school, (d) ethnical background, (e) type of school district, (f) years as principal, and (g) gender of inspirational significant other (role model) do not have a significant impact on the leadership attitudes of principals when considering the gender of the individual.;It is recommended, based on this research project, that women be provided with ample opportunity to secure administrative positions. Women's attitudes about leadership are similar to those of men; thus, gender should not be used as a factor in assessing a principal's attitude or determining a principal's potential effectiveness.