Managing more than the money: Superintendents' perceptions of their leadership during economic crisis
Abstract
Research on the process and effects of school budget development by superintendents during the current economic crisis is limited. This study sought to determine the job satisfaction, efficacy, and longevity of school superintendents during economic crises. Using data from an original survey instrument TRIPLEM (Managing More than the Money ©), the researcher measured the respondents’ demographic, professional, financial and school district profiles, along with their sense of budget skills and relationship skills to determine the effects on job satisfaction, job efficacy, and longevity. Superintendents responded to open ended questions where they listed specific strategies to address the current economic conditions. 140 The majority of superintendents surveyed held their doctoral degrees and came from affluent suburban school districts with six or less schools. Statistical significance was found when relating selected budget skills and relationship skills with job efficacy. Specific budget skills and relationship skills predicted superintendents’ job satisfaction, job efficacy, and longevity. Another variable that predicted longevity was percentage of classified students. Implications of the study suggest that doing more with less money caused superintendents to generate new solutions to current economic conditions. These economic challenges have stimulated district leaders to change and readjust their methods of addressing budgetary shortfalls. The changes may have stimulated educational reform of not only budget strategies, but increased efforts in improving instruction for all students. Superintendents and aspiring superintendents who expand their budget and communications skills with regard to budget development have a greater likelihood of attaining job satisfaction, job efficacy, and longevity.
Subject Area
Education finance|Educational leadership|Educational administration
Recommended Citation
Taibi-Lewis, Constance, "Managing more than the money: Superintendents' perceptions of their leadership during economic crisis" (2011). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3475195.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3475195
