Learning the Ropes or Being Hung: Organizational Socialization Influences on New Rural High School Principals.

Abstract

New principals face many challenges as they begin their profession. They must discover how to fit into the existing work group at their school (organizational socialization), while remaining distinct enough to contribute creatively to the growth and development of the school (leadership succession) . As part of a larger phenomenological study, 10 new rural high school principals were interviewed about their decisions to accept or challenge norms in their schools during their first year on the job. Without clear directions or any formal induction program to introduce them to their districts and schools, the 10 new principals began their duties with preconceived ideas about their job and their school. Once on the job, their decisions to conform or challenge existing norms in their schools were determined by contextual variables, specific problem situations, and other individuals and groups in their schools and communities. Interviewees discussed rural community culture and politics, insider advantages and disadvantages, outsider disadvantages, principal turnover rates at their schools, problem situations, work overload, and relationships with teachers and the superintendent. Eight participants reported that they had no time to consider school improvement issues. Two years later, eight participants had moved to administrative positions in other schools. (Contains 20 references and the interview guide.) (SV) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. 1 Learning the Ropes or Being Hung: Organizational Socialization Influences on New Rural High School Principals AERA Paper Session Presentation April 2, 2002 Linda M. Morford Eastern Illinois University PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY ttk oe. r_10,ret TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Learning the Ropes I U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and improvement EDUC TIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) his document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction Quality. , Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OE RI position or policy.