You are on page 1of 6

Subject

Educational leadership and Management

Topic

Leadership

Submitted to Dr. Zubeda Raees

Submitted by Taiba Eman and Sania

B.Ed (1.5)

Department of Education
Government College Woman University Faisalabad

Session (2020_2022)
Educational Leadership

1. Leadership can be defined as a personal natural/nurtured capability to influence, inspire


and band together a group of people to achieve a personal or group goal 
2. Leadership can be defined as a personal natural/nurtured capability to influence, inspire
and band together a group of people to achieve a personal or group goal 
3. School leadership is the process of enlisting and guiding the talents and energies of
teachers, pupils, and parents toward achieving common educational aims. This term is
often used synonymously with educational leadership in the United States and has
supplanted educational management in the United Kingdom. Several universities in the
United States offer graduate degrees in educational leadership.
4. Educational leadership involves working with and guiding teachers toward improving
educational processes in elementary, secondary and postsecondary institutions. Those in
educational leadership roles tend to go above and beyond just management and
administrative tasks, however. They are trained to advance and improve educational
systems and create and enact policies.

An educational leader serves as a guide and influences other educators in an administrative


setting. In some cases, it may be a team of educational leaders. Leaders in these executive roles
work toward finding ways to improve learning and to improve the process of educating students.
They serve in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions as well as early childhood
education centers. School site leaders, directors, principals, and assistant administrators are
employed to work either as the sole educational leader or in small teams. Typical positions for
educational leaders in administrative settings are:

 Principal
 Superintendent
 Academic dean
 Director
 Head of school
 Department chair
 Provost, or
 President

Function of Educational Leadership:

Professionals working in educational leadership focus on improving educational


programming. They hire and manage teachers and staff, prepare budgets, set curriculum
standards and set school-wide policies. They might work on team building efforts or restructure
the organization to affect necessary change. Many educational leaders are involved with policy
development or reform issues dealing with education on the local, state or national level.

Major Concepts and Theories

Educational leadership theories borrow from business management principles. In the


United States and other developed nations, leadership models from the business world were
adapted to fit the educational setting. Since schools and their communities are diverse and
change over time, theories regarding the role and function of educational leaders have likewise
been reformed and remodeled.

Researchers continue to investigate leadership in different educational settings. One style


of leadership isn't better than another. Each is more or less effective based on the context of the
setting in which a leader works. Environmental factors such as size, school culture, staff, and
personalities dictate the most suitable leadership style.

Leadership Characteristics

Most theories of educational leadership refer to the type of leader or style of leader based on
essential elements such as capabilities, practices, and approaches. Theory components are
classified into three categories: characteristics, concepts, and practices of educational leaders.
These three components help in understanding leadership types as a theory.

 Characteristics of educational leadership, which include behaviors, styles, and leadership


traits
 Concepts of educational leadership, which include management vs. leadership, power,
coercion, and conceptual frameworks; and

 Activities or practices of educational leaders, which include approaches or ways of


leading

Through an understanding of these components, you can begin to understand yourself as an


educational leader and understand the impact of leadership on student learning.

Leadership Theories

The authentic leader is self-aware, genuine, and leads with the heart. This type of leader
puts the mission and goals of an educational institution above self-interests. Mrs. Ann, a
principal, focuses on long-term results for the good of students and their learning. She isn't afraid
to show emotions or vulnerability to connect with teachers, students, and parents. This makes her
fit the profile of an authentic leader.

The great man theory

The great man theory of leadership states that excellent leaders are born, not developed.
A popular concept in the 19th century, this theory states that leadership is an inherent quality.
This type of leader often possesses the natural attributes of intelligence, courage, confidence,
intuition and charm, among others. 

The trait theory

The trait theory of leadership states that certain natural qualities tend to create good
leaders. Having certain qualities does not necessarily mean someone has strong leadership skills,
however. Some leaders may be excellent listeners or communicators, but not every listener or
communicator makes an excellent leader. 

The behavioral theory

The behavioral theory of leadership focuses on how a person’s environment, not natural
abilities, forms him or her into a leader. One of the key concepts of behavioral theory is
conditioning. Conditioning states that a person will be more likely to act or lead in a certain style
as a result of environmental responses to behavior.

The transactional theory or management theory

The transactional theory of leadership, also called "the management theory," studies
leadership as a system of rewards and penalties. It views effective leadership as results-focused
and hierarchical. Transactional leaders prioritize order and structure over creativity. 

The transformational theory or relationship theory

The transformational theory of leadership, also called "the relationship theory," studies
effective leadership as the result of a positive relationship between leaders and team members.
Transformational leaders motivate and inspire through their enthusiasm and passion. They are a
model for their teams, and they hold themselves to the same standard they expect of others. 

The situational theory

The situational theory of leadership does not relate to a certain type of leader or claim
that any one style is best. Instead, situational theory argues that the best kind of leader is one who
is able to adapt her style based on the situation. They may respond to a situation by commanding,
coaching, persuading, participating, delegating or however they think is necessary. Situational
leaders are defined by their flexibility.

Characteristics of an effective leader

A leader has got multidimensional traits in him which makes him appealing and effective in
behavior. The following are the
Intelligence- Leader should have a high level of intelligence with sound educational and
technical background.
Emotional Stability -leader should be emotionally stable. He should not lose temper at any
stage.
Understanding Human Behavior -A leader should possess a deep understanding about
human behavior, emotions, needs etc. and he should be able to deal with people.
Understanding the views of others -The leader should understand the views of others. If he
does all the things in his own way, he may lose the support of others.
Motivating the Followers, it is not enough if the leader is self-motivated. He should also
know how to motivate his followers.
Initiative and Creative Ability -The leader should take initiative because he has to take the
lead to do a work and then only others will follow. The leader should also have creative
ability.
Judging Ability -Leader should be able to judge anything. Then only the leader can
anticipate the response to the actions and decisions.
Responsibly & Decision Making- leader should lead from the front by taking the
responsibilities and must be a decision maker.
Guidance- Leader should be a good guide to his subordinates. He should tell and
demonstrate the ways of doing work.
Personality -The leader should have an attractive and pleasing personality.
Dignified- A leader should behave with his subordinates in a dignified manner.
Honest- Leader should be honest, sincere, fair and reasonable in his dealings with his
subordinates.
requisites to be present in a good leader.

You might also like