Characteristics that distinguish outstanding urban principals

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on two research questions. First, what are the emotional and social intelligence competencies that distinguish outstanding from typical urban principals? Second, how do outstanding and typical urban principals conceptualize and adapt differently to their external organizational environment? Design/methodology/approach A criterion sample of 12 outstanding and eight typical principals was identified from a large Midwestern urban school district. Data from critical incident interviews and written questionnaires were collected. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to identify the key characteristics that describe differences between the two performance groups. Findings Significant differences are found in both areas of inquiry. Outstanding principals demonstrate a broad and deep repertoire of competencies related to emotional and social intelligence. Twelve of the 20 competencies studied significantly differentiate outstanding and typical principals. In addition, the study found differences in how outstanding and typical principals conceptualize and adapt to their external organizational environment. Outstanding principals interact with a broader range of external groups and utilize a wider spectrum of boundary‐spanning strategies. Research limitations/implications A field sample from one urban school district limits the generalizability of the results. Practical implications Usefulness of the findings for school districts and universities is explored including the implications of a competency assessment and development approach for the recruitment, selection and preparation of principal candidates as well as leadership training for incumbent principals. Originality/value This study suggests that emotional and social intelligence is a critical factor in effective principal performance and is an important framework to examine in future research. The study provides a methodology that can be easily replicated in other urban districts.