Psychosocial Profiling of “Successful School Principal” in Russian Metropolis

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;">Researchers all over the world are studying principals from different perspectives attempting to draw a successful school principal psychosocial profile. The authors used a qualitative approach which comprised focus groups with principals and deputies to unveil leadership practices and their perceptions of key characteristics essential for “a successful leader”. The study revealed five domains of the psychosocial profile of a Metropolis principal (building relationships, leading the organization, behaving in urgent or uncertain situations, school management, and school improvement). The authors highlighted similarities and differences in characteristics of a Russian Metropolis principal driven by specificity of the context while comparing with international profiles. “Successful principal” is expected to be an effective communicator and possess such personal traits as honesty, fairness, and empathy in Russia as well as in other countries. The peculiarity of the Russian Metropolis school principal profile is a focus on administering skills (operational-visionary, procedural, delegation competence) which were not identified in the international bulk of studies. Moreover, solving conflicts and being assertive are also key characteristics of the Metropolis principal.</p>