Suburban secondary school principals′ perceptions of administrative control in schools

Abstract

Examines the control mechanisms which superintendents used to shape and direct the work of suburban high school principals. Includes four hierarchical controls (supervision, input, behaviour and output) and two non‐hierarchical controls (section/socialization and environmental). Examines two additional areas, the social status of the school and the size of the district, for their effects on the application of the six control mechanisms. Finds the control mechanisms were used in all of the schools in varying degrees, but the extent of use across areas conveys how controls were “zoned” with tight controls (constraints) over some areas or loose controls (autonomy) over other areas. Concludes that district size does affect the variability of control and autonomy.

Citation

Myers, E. and Murphy, J. (1995), "Suburban secondary school principals′ perceptions of administrative control in schools", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 14-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/09578239510146956