In this case, a principal arrives at a troubled school in mid-year to discover that the school secretary is exerting managerial powers usually reserved for the principal. When the principal tries to implement changes, the secretary is combative and resistant.
This case provides students an opportunity to explore the dynamics between a school principal and the school's support staff and to discuss the important role that a school secretary plays in a school's operation and culture. The case is accompanied by a brief review of literature on the secretary's role in a school and can be used in courses on human resources management, the principalship, or educational administration.
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