Self-perceived leadership styles of male and female superintendents in Wisconsin public schools

• Main Author: Rieckmann, Kelly Renee
• Language: EN
• Published: Edgewood College 2017
• Subjects: Educational administration
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10259766

<p> The number of female superintendents in Wisconsin public schools remains disproportionately low compared to males. With research supporting a connection between female leaders and transformational leadership, the question as to why more females do not enter the realm of leadership and how they see themselves as leaders remains unanswered. This quantitative research sought to find whether or not there was a statistically significant difference between female and male superintendents&rsquo; self-perceived transformational leadership behaviors in Wisconsin public school districts. Using the survey tool, Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), the finding was that female respondents self- assessed their transformational and transactional leadership behaviors and outcomes with greater statistical significance more often than males. While more research into the leadership of the superintendency needs to be done, these findings may be used to encourage school boards to consider leadership behaviors when hiring and to encourage current superintendent leaders to reflect on their own leadership styles.</p>