Abstract
Although the number of female teachers in schools is higher, this is not evident when looking at leadership levels. Various studies have examined this situation. In this study, the perspectives of female teachers working in private schools who are gradually raising their educational levels are discussed in depth about female head teachers. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 female teachers working in private schools in the Anatolian part of Istanbul. The data were analysed using content analysis, one of the qualitative analysis methods. As a result of the research, three main themes were found among the characteristics of female leaders, the competencies of female leaders, and the impact on the work environment. Under the theme of characteristics of female leaders, there are five categories: being selfish, forming problematic working relationships, being detail-obsessed, being jealous, acting emotionally; under the theme of competencies of female leaders: they lead well, their leadership skills are weak, they cannot be fair and impartial, they are not solution-oriented. The theme of the impact of female leaders on the work environment is a chaotic environment; communication is important, supportive environment.
Highlights
Despite national efforts to equalize the proportion of women in senior positions, there are still prejudices about the perception of female leaders in educational institutions
Women tend to be recruited for leadership positions and promoted at relatively older ages, they have more experience and education than men (Grogan and Shakeshaft 2011; Roser et al, 2009). Along with all these difficulties, the idea that women have problematic relationships in the workplace has spread throughout management literature and formed the basis of research into the queen bee syndrome (Staines et al, 1974)
Qualitative research is an interrogative, interpretive method that strives to understand the shape of the problem in its natural setting (Klenke, 2016).In addition, the phenomenology model was used, as the situation discussed was to reveal the existing thoughts of female teachers working in private schools about female school principals
Summary
Despite national efforts to equalize the proportion of women in senior positions, there are still prejudices about the perception of female leaders in educational institutions. Grogan and Shakeshaft (2011) point out that many types of research encounter limited audiences. Women tend to be recruited for leadership positions and promoted at relatively older ages, they have more experience and education than men (Grogan and Shakeshaft 2011; Roser et al, 2009). Along with all these difficulties, the idea that women have problematic relationships in the workplace has spread throughout management literature and formed the basis of research into the queen bee syndrome (Staines et al, 1974). The ideal man is self-interested, competitive, independent, and dominant (Eagly & Karau, 2002; Prentice & Carranza, 2002)
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