| The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors which build credibility between superintendents and their administrative team members. Four superintendent administrative team relationships were examined in suburban or extended suburban communities in the state of Wisconsin.;Johnson (1996) asserts that current and emerging conceptions of educational leadership depict a collaborative process between superintendents and various constituencies. Carter and Cunningham (1997) indicate that a superintendent cannot survive without the support of others. Kouzes and Posner (1993) indicate, "Leadership is a reciprocal relationship between those who choose to lead and those who decide to follow. Any discussion of leadership must attend to the dynamics of this relationship. Strategies, tactics, skills and practices are empty unless we understand the fundamental aspirations that connect leaders and their constituents (p. 6)." A major body of research in the field of management (Kouzes and Posner, 1993) indicates that leader credibility is the foundation for leadership. "Credibility is the foundation on which leaders and constituents will build the grand dream of the future. Without credibility, visions will fade and relationships will wither" (Kouzes and Posner, 1993, 22). Therefore, it is imperative that superintendents build credibility with various constituents within the school organization, especially administrative team members.;It was the intent of this study to examine the factors which build credibility between superintendents and their administrative team members. This study utilized a multi-case study approach and in-depth interviews of superintendents and members of their administrative teams. In an attempt to gain a thorough understanding of the factors which build credibility between superintendents and their administrative team members, both the perceptions of administrative team members based on Kouzes and Posner's (1993) research as well as the actions taken by superintendents related to Bolman and Deal's (1991) four frames from which leaders of organizations operate were examined. Based on the research of this study, components were developed for each of Kouzes and Posner's (1993) disciplines of credibility and each of Bolman and Deal's (1991) four frames. |
