Factors influencing Jordanian and Saudi Arabian teacher decisions to pursue the principalship: a comparative study

• Published in: School leadership & management 2013-01, Vol.33 (5), p.473-485
• Main Authors: Al-Omari, Aieman Ahmad, Wuzynani, Muhammad M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Barriers; Career Development; Comparative Education; Comparative studies; Educational leadership; Foreign Countries; International comparisons; Jordan; leadership; Likert Scales; management; Motivation; Occupational Aspiration; Performance Factors; Predictor Variables; Principals; principalship; Public schools; Saudi Arabia; school effectiveness; School principals; Statistical Significance; Teacher Attitudes; Teacher Motivation; Teacher Promotion; Teacher Surveys; Work Attitudes
• ISSN: 1363-2434; 1364-2626
• DOI: 10.1080/13632434.2013.813451

The present study was carried out to gain a better understanding of how teachers in Jordan and Saudi Arabia view the principalship and identify factors that influence teachers' candidacy to pursue a position as principal. Study participants comprised 800 teachers who worked in public schools in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Participants rated 2 out of 10 factors that were identified as being motivators for pursuing the principalship as 'high level': 'personal and professional challenges', and 'desire to be a leader'. Four of 10 factors that were identified as being deterrents for teachers to avoid a position as principal were rated with 'high level': 'highly stressful', 'large time commitment', 'accountable for achievement' and 'amount of paperwork'. There were no significant differences among participants according to their country of origin. The researchers recommend that future research should be conducted on different variables.