Ideal Decision‐making Styles Indicated by Deputy Principals

Abstract

Reports the study of the preferences for decision‐making responsibilities indicated by deputy principals of Catholic schools in Western Australia. The research methodology used a “specific situation” item questionnaire with the preferred style for making the decision concerning the specific siutuation being measured on a continuum with five alternatives of decision making. The results suggested that there were seven factors underlying the data collected, each with a different desired decision‐making style. These preferred styles appeared to be influenced by the personal skills and experiences which allowed the person to feel he/she could have some constructive input into the decision. Hence, management should consider installing a system of leadership which recognizes that differences do exist concerning the preferred leadership styles depending on the worker′s perceived impact of the decisions on the individual′s work life.