Are women better than men in running elementary schools Title " Are women better than men in running elementary schools " The parents perspective
The role and effectiveness of female school principals is a topic of great interest given the importance of school leadership and the increasing number of females occupying administrative positions in education. However, research has revealed that teachers and officials have stereotypes about female principals. According to these stereotypes, leadership positions are generally for men and women lack the necessary qualities in leading schools. This study examined the perceptions of parents in Cyprus regarding the effectiveness of female school principals. Parents are integral in a school's operation and their views on school leadership are important. The sample consisted of 904 randomly chosen parents of elementary school children in the district of Limassol. A questionnaire was administered to parents in May of 2010, asking them to compare male and female principals in several dimensions of a principal's job such as improving the school's appearance and functioning, sound financial management, effective communication with authorities, establishing a school climate conducive to learning, leading lower and upper grades and building quality relationships with teachers, students and parents. Data analysis (t tests and multiple regression) showed that parents believe that female principals are better than male principals in all five leadership dimensions explored in the study. The study has practical and research implications. If female principals are better in running elementary schools then "feminine" traits of leading should be incorporated into leadership preparation. Future research should explore parental perceptions in further detail and include analysis at secondary education as well.