The Management Stle of Female Headteachers

Abstract

Women are highly under-represented amongst senior managers in education in the UK. The stereotype of the leader as male perpetuates this situation. This study sought to build upon the links which are now being made between `feminine' styles and effective management. Five female headteachers of mixed secondary schools in one shire county in the UK were interviewed and asked to identify their characteristics as leaders and managers. The picture that emerged was of an `androgynous' leader, able to draw upon a range of qualities. The success of the female headteacher was seen by those who were the subjects of this research to some extent to be due to the possession of qualities similar to the traditional male leader but they were also able to identify ways in which being a woman was helpful.