Title: How interpersonal relations are affected by and affect the selection of head teachers in primary education: the teachers' perspectives

Authors: Vasiliki Brinia; Stella Perakaki

Addresses: Teacher Education Program, Athens University of Economics & Business, Athens, Greece ' Teacher Education Program, Athens University of Economics & Business, Athens, Greece

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the views of teachers working in primary schools in Athens, Greece, on the importance of the election of the head teacher through the teachers' secret vote and on the importance of the head teacher-candidates' interpersonal relations with the other teachers regarding the head teacher selection process. The sample was 40 teachers from 15 different schools in the city of Athens. A qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews has been followed. The findings have shown that, while the most important selection criteria are the scientific qualifications, it appears that interpersonal relationships have eventually mostly determined the selection of head teachers. The present study is of value as it provides policy makers, both in Greece and in other countries that have adopted similar selection processes, with valuable insights on the way the selection process really works and on how it can be improved.

Keywords: head teacher's selection criteria; teachers' interpersonal relations; teachers' association; primary education; secret ballot.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2018.095157

International Journal of Management in Education, 2018 Vol.12 No.4, pp.332 - 350

Received: 10 Dec 2017
Accepted: 15 Feb 2018
Published online: 01 Oct 2018 *

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