| This study examine's the values of Protestant secondary school principals in Hong Kong and their possible influence on the ways in which principals perceive and manage problems, as well as the outcomes experienced. This theme was chosen because problem solving involves decision making, which is a vital function of administration, while values, acting like filters, are known to predispose administrators to certain preferred paths of action.;The study used a qualitative methodology with its basis in the meta-theory of symbolic interactionism. The purpose of the study was to use empirical data to develop a substantive theory of the influence of values on local Protestant principals' perceptions and management of school problems. The study did not attempt to verify any existing theory. The substantive theory was developed using an inductive grounded theory method that involved the systematic collection and analysis of data. Data were collected predominantly through different forms of interviews, and supplemented by school document analysis.;The grounded theory that emerges from the research is termed the "value-based congruence" theory. It implies, first, that values heavily influence principals' perception and management of school problems. Second, that particular value orientations of individual principals are found to match or correspond with their subsequent behavior in the perception, choice of strategies in managing problems and the outcomes experienced. It was found that principals' value orientations are based on the following five value dimensions: the relationship, reform, empowerment, client-focus and rationality dimensions. These five value dimensions result in five principal types based on divergent patterns in values, perceptions, management of problems and outcomes. The five principal types are---the pacifists, the progressive mentors, the philosopher mentors, the pragmatists and the eclectics. In short, the theory suggests that it is probable for one principal type with certain predominant values to perceive and manage problems in ways that are common to principals of the same type and are consistent with this particular type's overriding values.;However, it was also found that other factors, namely, value properties, personal and organizational characteristics act to moderate the links between principals' values and their concomitant responses. Value properties refer to the attributes of clarity, commitment, consistency, versatility, breadth and focus in values. Personal and organizational characteristics, meanwhile, refer to such factors as principals' age, experience, the schools' history and shared values among staff.;Among other important findings of the research relating to values was that the value of consequences and professionalism appeared to be the single most commonly used value and value cluster respectively. The most important value sources influencing Protestant principals, by their own admission, were Protestant, Chinese cultural and professional values. However, there were vast differences in degrees of certainty in identifying these value sources and divergences regarding their priority. |
