Principal and Vice Principals Leadership Styles Research Paper

Principal and Vice Principals Leadership Styles - Research Paper Example Educational management can be described through the management and leadership theories. Bush (2003) identified various models that describe the two main theories. The management theory can be classified into six models that include; formal, collegial, political, subjective, uncertainty, and cultural models. The six models that describe leadership theories in education management include; the moral model, contingency leadership, transactional and managerial leadership, the post-modern as well as participative leadership styles. The formal models describe a hierarchical arrangement in the management structure. In this model, the school heads treat the institution as a system where bureaucracy is maintained (Bush, 2002). There is a system of instruction which is usually top-down while reporting must follow the various ranks to the top. This model is evident in Matador High School. The principal is the overall head and the vice principal reports to him. The vice principal acts as a middl e-level manager in contemporary organizations, supervising the teaching staff, but he too has some lessons that he teaches. All teachers are accountable to the principle and have performance targets that are set for the accomplishment of the overall goal of the school. The formal management structure is matched with the managerial leadership of the principal. This is a leadership style where managers are focused on their purpose in helping the organization to accomplish their objectives. They ensure that all processes are accomplished according to plan and that every person is in the designated place at the right time (Cheng, 2002). Leadership in Matador was top down with the teachers being expected to behave and accomplish tasks according to the laid out procedures in the school.  Ã‚