A conceptual analysis of visionary leadership and its implications for educational transformation in schools

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:There are many new developments in education taking place specifically in thefield of schooling. Some of these developments - school based management,OBE curriculum developments and the devolution of control to the school levelhave brought with it many significant policy changes.Many educational leaders are struggling to keep abreast with thesetransformational changes that are confronting them with regard to leadership andmanagement of education, and educational structures within the school.Therefore, visionary leadership is an essential ingredient in understanding thedemocratic changes and restructuring taking place at present. Many principals atschools are struggling with the changes, while possibly not fully understandingthe political, social and economic dynamics of these changes.This assignment seeks to establish the need for visionary leadership in order tomeet the challenges and constraints educational leaders face in their attempts toeffect transformation in South Africa. I strongly identify with the democraticprinciples used to overcome the challenges and constraints to redress educationin South African schools.Interviews were conducted and data was constructed with principals of sixdifferent schools in the East London area. The educational leaders interviewed,ranged from primary to high school principals giving a vast expanse of expertiseas leaders within a specific school community.This assignment is based on the assumption that there is scope for educationalleaders to bring about greater change and transformation in schools. There aremany ways to visualise an effective school landscape based on a combination ofpersonal, organisational and professional strategies. This assignment can beconsidered a contribution in this regard.KEY WORDS: Educational leaders, transformation and visionary leadership

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University