Superintendent Leadership during Economic Austerity: A Multiple Case Study

摘要: In contrast with recent decades of economic growth and stability, today's education funding landscape appears to be entrenched in a pattern diminishing financial resources that may persist for number years. This is occurring also amid unprecedented efforts by lawmakers public officials intervene school reform work. School leaders, specifically superintendents the districts, are expected make difficult leadership decisions cutting back downsizing district organization while still maintaining an innovative positive environment schools. The effective leader must well informed best practices positively influencing critical determinants district's these times. Researchers have stressed there need examine dynamic, evolutionary processes within organizations populations (Cameron & Whetten, 1981; Kimberly Quinn, 1984; Tushman Anderson, 1986). A universally accepted concept from biological sciences idea taking on "life" can compared living organisms. Management researchers developed various models depict life cycle organizations, including phases or stages birth, growth, decline, renewal (or revival) death (Dodge, Fullerton, Robbins, 1994; Greiner, 1972; Hanks, Watson, Jansen, Chandler, 1993; Miller Friesen, 1983). Among early studies cycles seminal work Danny Peter Friesen (1984). They identified primary factors organization's phase cycle: situation, structure, decision-making style, strategy. Every exhibits organizational characteristics affected contextual choices four determinants. However, this research was initially prevalent business models, lack interest realm has persisted. Public especially superintendents, demonstrate significant during times decline. Better information, synthesis literature empirical statistical area, needed. Furthermore, study their "natural setting" through qualitative thematic analysis needed explain experiences leading schools years austerity. outcome development framework informs who deal seasons austerity, contribution knowledge base managing