The Managerial Behavior of High School Principals

Abstract

This study applied the structured observation technique developed by Mintzberg to the high school principalship. Observation of the activities performed by five principals resulted in a characterization of school administration that paralleled private sector management in many respects. Principals exercised building-level authority over such matters as organi zational maintainance, the administration of the instructional program, pupil control, and extra-curricular activities. They spent comparatively little time on affairs external to the school organization. Although their work pace was hectic, there were certain cyclic features which could be identified.