Perceptions of Principal Attributes in an Era of Accountability

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of leadership attributes held by 35 principals who performed a Q-sort on 45 transactional, transformational, and laissez-faire leadership statements from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. The factor and qualitative data analysis revealed two distinct groups of participants who sorted their cards similarly. Factor A members preferred attributes that were collective in mission, purpose, and goals to achieve organization objectives. Factor B members preferred attributes that expressed collegiality, collaboration, and a synergy for meeting the needs of the individuals. The study concludes with the introduction of a transformational mission-oriented collaborative leadership model based on a synthesis of the results. The strength of this study rests in the fact that it can be replicated in different environments and can accommodate the examination of multiple leadership attributes and thought processes supporting choices with regard to leadership styles.