Orthodoxou, Chara; (2010) Leadership for equity and excellence : crossing the divide in Cyprus's diverse schools. Doctoral thesis , Institute of Education, University of London.

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Abstract

Leaders in Cyprus face a daunting challenge in their quest to create positive change in schools: how to lead across difference. As schools face the challenges of demographic shifts thereby contributing to new patterns of diverse schools this thesis fills a growing need for empirical research of this recent history and its effects on leadership. Leadership for equity and excellence examines how principals pursue equity and excellence in the schools of Cyprus. It is argued that illuminating the relationship between diversity and leadership can advance understanding of how leadership for equity and excellence happens in practice. Given the importance of investigating further this relationship, preparing leaders for a changing world is needed. Without such preparation, these leaders stand to enter schools ill equipped for participation in diverse environments. Using a case study research design, the study draws upon interview, observation and survey data from four schools to develop four richly detailed case studies. From withincase and cross-case analysis of the four cases, elements integral to leading these schools are highlighted. The study found a number of practices that constitute core leadership principles: using values and principles as a guidance system for self and others, fighting complacency, mobilising and inspiring followers in collective action, and engaging in social identity issues to eliminate conflict. They are concerned with bringing all groups together without eliminating their differences. The study highlights the main limitations of Cyprus's current leadership programme and proposes new ways of creating and implementing effective programmes for developing expert school leaders. Finally, the study calls for studies that employ different research methods and factors influencing leadership experience in diverse schools thereby equipping researchers with the tools to better explain how diversity influences leadership practices.

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