The relationship between leadership practices and organisational culture: An education management perspective

Abstract

The relationship between leadership practice of the principal and school culture was investigated and recommendations on the skills principals need to establish a school culture conducive to teaching and learning are provided. Two standardised questionnaires were used to measure the existing leadership practices and organisational culture in 30 schools. Correlations between leadership practices and school cultures were determined by means of linear regressions and portrayed by scatter plots. It was found that each of the leadership practices tested was positively related to either of the two main elements of organisational culture: sociability or solidarity. The findings provided a sound basis for the appointment of principals able to cultivate a positive school culture.

Keywords: correlation; culture; education; leadership; management; organisation; relationship

South African Journal of Education Vol. 26 (4) 2006: pp. 609-624