Education Publications
Secondary Principals' Perspectives on the Impact of Work Intensification on the Secondary Vice-Principal Role
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2019
Journal
Leading and Managing
Volume
2
Issue
25
First Page
80
Last Page
98
Abstract
Principals’ work intensification has increased the volume and complexity of their daily tasks. This exploratory study was conducted to determine how secondary principals’ work intensification has influenced their understanding of the secondary vice-principal role. Thirteen secondary principals from Ontario, Canada participated in one-time semi-structured interviews for this qualitative study. Findings indicate that secondary principals expect their vice-principals to perform both operational and instructional tasks, although the work completed by secondary vice-principals remains predominantly school operations. Duties are determined collaboratively as a school administrative team. Three tensions emerged regarding how secondary principals perceive the secondary vice-principal role: They believe their vice-principals (i) experience role conflict and role ambiguity, (ii) have difficulty prioritising operational and instructional duties, and (iii) have difficulty achieving work–life balance. Recommendations to professional practice, educational policy, and research in educational leadership are included.
Citation of this paper:
Lim, L. & Pollock, K. (2019) Secondary Principals' Perspectives on the Impact of Work Intensification on the Secondary Vice-Principal Role. Leading and Managing, 25 (2), p.80-98
