Leadership Capabilities And Development Of Effective Primary School Principals In Cambodia

This thesis presents a study of school leadership capability and development of 30 effective principals and deputies from 16 effective primary schools in all eight districts in Kampong Chnang Province, Cambodia. The participants of this study were assessed as effective principals and nominated by the Provincial Office of Education. The aims of the research were:(1) to identify major challenges faced by effective primary school principals; (2) to identify the leadership capabilities which the primary school principals consider most important for their effective performance; and (3) to identify the strategies and resources which the participants consider more relevant for the development of the leadership capabilities identified. Data for this study was collected by conducting telephone semi-structured interviews, and by administering questionnaires.In regard to challenges, the study reveals that not only the insufficient financial resources and IT equipment hinder effective performance, but also some principals face the challenge of lacking personal and interpersonal capabilities used to build team leadership, to motivate and to convince low performing staff or resistors. Moreover, there is a need for principals to pay more attention to instructional guidance and parent-community ties. In terms of leadership capabilities, the results confirm that while up-to-date knowledge and skills for principals are a must, emotional intelligence appears to be the most important factor that contributes to the effectiveness of the role as a principal. The study also indicates that informal support-such as self-learning, peer interactions, study tours, and problem-based learning-is more relevant and productive to develop the leadership capabilities than formal and generic development programs offered sporadically.