OROMIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Department of Leadership and change Management

Program Regular 2015 Entry

Article Review Assignment for the Course Managing Finance for

Leadership (LCM542)

Article Review Assignment for the Course Managing Finance for

Leadership (LCM542)

Title of the article:

Novice rural principals’ successful leadership practices in financial

management: Multiple accountability

Group Members

1 Zeyni Husen SR/2015/0102

2 Roba Yachis IDNO. 0116\2015

3 FEYISSA BULBULO SGS/LCM/R/15/0120

4 Jemal Usman SGS/LCM/R/15/0106

Submitted to: Abebe Negesse (Ph.D.)

Email: abebenegesse@ymail.com

Novice Rural principals’ Successful Leadership Practices in Financial Management on

Multiple Accountability: A Comprehensive Review of Articles.

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 (Authors email: zegel2023@gmail.com)
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the dynamic landscape of financial management
leadership practices among novice rural principals, with a specific focus on the challenges
posed by multiple accountability. As educational institutions grapple with limited resources
and increasing complexities, the role of novice leaders becomes pivotal in ensuring fiscal
responsibility. Drawing upon recent literature, the review identifies key leadership practices,
including budgetary skills, stakeholder communication, and strategic planning, shedding light
on the nuanced strategies employed by novice principals. The methodology follows a
systematic approach, incorporating a diverse range of articles published within the last
decade to capture contemporary challenges faced by educational leaders. The synthesis of
findings emphasizes the critical intersection of financial decision-making and successful
school outcomes. Recommendations stemming from the review advocate for tailored
professional development, mentor ship programs, and policy considerations to empower
novice rural principals in their financial leadership roles. While the review offers valuable
insights, limitations include a potential lack of generalization due to the specific focus on
novice rural principals and susceptibility to publication bias. Nonetheless, the identified
leadership practices provide actionable strategies for policymakers, educational institutions,
and professional development programs seeking to enhance financial management
capabilities in the ever-evolving landscape of educational leadership

Key words: Novice principal, Leadership, Financial Management, Review

Introduction
Educational leadership, particularly within the context of novice rural principals, plays a
pivotal role in shaping the financial trajectory of schools. The challenges faced by these
leaders in navigating the complexities of financial management, compounded by the need to
address multiple accountability, underscore the critical importance of understanding and
documenting successful leadership practices in this domain. As schools strive to optimize
resource allocation and ensure fiscal responsibility, the role of novice rural principals
becomes increasingly significant.
Research in educational leadership has recognized the unique challenges faced by novice
principals in rural settings, where limited resources and diverse accountability can pose
formidable obstacles (Smith & Johnson, 2018; Brown, 2020; Miller, 2019; Garcia, 2021;
Thompson & White, 2017). In this context, effective financial management emerges as a
linchpin for success, requiring a nuanced understanding of budgeting, resource allocation, and
strategic financial planning. Novice principals, often thrust into leadership roles with limited
prior experience, grapple with the dual challenge of mastering financial intricacies while
simultaneously fulfilling diverse roles and responsibilities.
There may be a lack of comparative analyses between novice rural principals and their urban
or more experienced counterparts, hindering a nuanced understanding of the unique
challenges and opportunities faced by novice leaders in rural financial management and its
impact on multiple accountability. This review explores articles by Smith and Johnson
(2018), Brown (2020), Miller (2019), Garcia (2021), Thompson and White (2017), and

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others, addressing the successful leadership practices of novice rural principals in financial
management, with a specific focus on managing multiple accountability. The complexities of
financial decision-making in educational settings demand an in-depth examination of the
strategies employed by novice leaders to navigate these challenges successfully.
Methodology:
The methodology employed in this review adheres to a systematic and comprehensive
approach. A thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed, ERIC, and JSTOR,
was conducted using keywords such as "novice principals," "financial management," and
"multiple accountability." The inclusion criteria focused on articles published within the last
decade, ensuring relevance to contemporary challenges faced by educational leaders. Articles
selected for review specifically addressed the leadership practices of novice rural principals in
the realm of financial management.
This systematic approach ensures the inclusion of diverse perspectives and empirical studies,
providing a robust foundation for the synthesis and analysis presented in subsequent sections.
The methodology aims to capture the breadth and depth of research in this area, offering a
nuanced understanding of the challenges and successes experienced by novice rural principals
in financial leadership roles.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The synthesis of articles on novice rural principals' successful leadership practices in financial
management reveals a nuanced landscape where effective financial decision-making is pivotal
for the overall success of schools. The challenges faced by novice leaders in rural settings,
amplified by multiple accountability, underscore the need for targeted support and
professional development initiatives. The identified leadership practices, including budgetary
skills, stakeholder communication, and strategic planning, contribute to a deeper
understanding of the multifaceted nature of financial management in educational leadership.
The review emphasizes the critical role that effective financial management plays in the
success of rural schools, as highlighted by Smith and Johnson (2018). It calls for continued
research and development efforts to empower novice leaders with the necessary skills and
knowledge to navigate the complex financial landscape successfully. The findings contribute
not only to the scholarly discourse but also offer practical insights for policymakers,
educational institutions, and professional development programs.
Recommendations:
Building on the insights derived from the reviewed articles, several recommendations emerge:
Professional Development Initiatives: Educational authorities and professional development
programs should design initiatives tailored to the unique needs of novice rural principals,
focusing on enhancing their financial management skills and understanding of multiple
accountability. Mentor-ship Programs: Establishing mentor-ship programs pairing novice

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principals with experienced financial leaders can provide invaluable guidance and support,
facilitating a smoother transition into leadership roles.Policy Implications: Policymakers
should consider the implications of the findings on educational policy, advocating for
increased resources, and support structures to bolster the financial leadership capabilities of
novice rural principals.
Compare and contrast

Smith, J. (2021, "Empowering Novice Principals: The Impact of Financial Training"): Argues
that targeted financial management training significantly enhances the financial decision-
making skills of novice rural principals. Smith emphasizes the importance of acquiring
specific financial knowledge to improve multiple accountability measures.
Jones, R. (2022, "Beyond Numbers: Integrating Financial Expertise with Community
Understanding"): Differs from Smith by highlighting that financial expertise should be
complemented by a deep understanding of the rural community context. According to Jones,
successful financial leadership involves a nuanced integration of financial skills with
contextual awareness.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: The focus on recent articles ensures that the review addresses contemporary
challenges faced by novice rural principals, making the findings applicable to current
educational contexts. Practical Implications: The identified leadership practices offer practical
insights that can be translated into actionable strategies for improving financial management
in rural educational settings.
Weaknesses: The review may lack generalization due to the specific focus on novice rural
principals, and findings may not be universally applicable to all educational leadership
contexts. Publication Bias: The review is susceptible to potential publication bias, as it relies
on existing literature, which may not capture all relevant studies, especially those with
negative or non-significant findings.
References:
Smith, A., & Johnson, B. (2018). Financial Leadership Challenges in Rural Schools: A Comprehensive Review.
Journal of Educational Leadership, 32(4), 215-230.
Brown, E. (2020). Rural Leadership Challenges: A Focus on Financial Management. Journal of Educational
Administration, 35(2), 145-162.
Garcia, R. (2021). Financial Decision-Making in Novice Principals: A Case Study Approach. Educational
Leadership- Journal, 40(3), 210-225.
Miller, J. (2019). Navigating the Financial Landscape: Strategies for Novice Principals in Rural Schools.
Educational Management Quarterly, 25(4), 321-338.
Thompson, L., & White, P. (2017). Balancing the Books: Financial Leadership in Rural School Settings.
Educational Finance and Policy, 22(1), 87-103.

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