The distribution of leadership between vice-principals and principals in Singapore

Abstract

This article examines the distribution of leadership between vice-principals and principals in Singapore. Vice-principals are an important leadership source in schools because they contribute to various key functions in school, including staff development, student learning and management. This research is on vice-principals’ contributions which are underrepresented in the literature. The study consisted of interviews of 28 vice-principals and 10 principals from 37 schools in Singapore. A mixed case-oriented and theme-oriented strategy was adopted, with member checking conducted through a case write up for each vice-principal. The findings illustrate how vice-principals worked with principals to co-set directions, motivate staff, lead instruction, and promote a desired culture. The study suggests the possibility of viewing the vice-principal and the principal as a leadership couple, with each performing complementary or overlapping practices, through a combination of collaborated and collective distribution. The study also illustrates vice-principals’ leadership and agency vis-à-vis principals’, which otherwise have been neglected.