A Study of Leadership Behaviors of Elementary Principals Compared With School Climate.

This is a report on a study of leadership styles of elementary-school principals in a southwest Missouri school district. The purpose of the study was to examine the principals' leadership styles to determine the percentages of directive, nondirective, and collaborative styles. The study also examined which leadership styles are related to a positive school climate. Additionally, the study examined teachers' perceptions of the leadership behavior of their principals as compared with the teachers' perceptions of the school climate. Data for the study were obtained through a survey of 169 teachers in 34 schools. Each subject answered a two-part questionnaire. One part was to determine the principals' leadership styles, the other part to ascertain the climate of the school. Findings from the study show that the majority of principals practice a collaborative leadership style, based on the teachers' perceptions. These collaborative principals also contribute to the highest average scores on positive school climate. The most desirable leadership style to help contribute to a positive school climate, therefore, is collaborative. The results may deepen or sharpen discussion of leadership styles and school climate in administrator preparation programs and within schools and districts. (Contains eight references.) (WFA) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. A STUDY OF LEADERSHIP BEHAVIORS OF ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS COMPARED WITH SCHOOL CLIMATE