Evaluating Principals’ Satisfaction with Selection Processes in Second Chance Schools: A Multicriteria Approach

Abstract

Research indicates that the importance the social validity of an appropriate principal-selection method may have, as well as the importance of the parameters that affect it, is directly related to the acceptance or reaction of the candidates to it and their job satisfaction. The aim of this quantitative research is to examine and present the candidate satisfaction in the selection of principals / assistant-principals of the Second Chance Schools in a major European country. The survey involved 184 candidates (77.97% of the total population) who responded to a valid and reliable evaluation scale of the qualitative characteristics of the selection procedures. The MUSA (multicriteria satisfaction analysis) method was used for analyzing the satisfaction of candidates with respect to satisfaction criteria, associated with four dimensions. The results indicate that candidates are overall satisfied, although only a small portion of their expectations is fulfilled. Moreover, it was found that interpersonal relationships and communication play a crucial role in the recruitment and selection process. Finally, ways of satisfaction improvement are provided, according to each factor.