Ethical dilemmas : the “breadand butter” of educationalleaders’ lives

Journal article


Cranston, Neil, Ehrich, Lisa and Kimber, Megan Paige. (2006). Ethical dilemmas : the “breadand butter” of educationalleaders’ lives. Journal of Educational Administration. 44(2), pp. 106-121. https://doi.org/10.1108/09578230610652015
AuthorsCranston, Neil, Ehrich, Lisa and Kimber, Megan Paige
Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report on research into the ethical dilemmas faced by school heads from seven independent schools in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach: Data for the research were gathered by semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with the Heads, all of whom were experienced school leaders. All the schools had religious affiliations.

Findings: The findings are broadly consistent with the conclusions reached in other Australian and international studies dealing with school leaders which suggest that ethical dilemmas, usually concerning issues to do with staff or students, are so common now that they have become the “bread and butter” of educational leaders' lives. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the struggles school leaders experience when faced with such dilemmas and the forces at play as they seek to resolve them Typically, the dilemmas are not about “right” versus “wrong”, but “right” versus “right” options.

Research limitations/implications: It is clear that the ethical dimensions of the work of school leaders require further investigation as ethical dilemmas are almost a daily occurrence for them as they strive to make complex decisions in the best interests of their school communities.

Practical implications: Professional development in the areas of ethics and ethical decision‐making for school leaders is indicated. Problem‐based learning offers potential in this regard.

Originality/value: The research reported in the paper adds to, and builds on, the growing body of research into ethics in education, particularly how ethical issues emerge when school leaders are required to make complex decisions in contexts where individual, group and organisational interests may be in conflict.

KeywordsEthics; Educational personnel; Principals; Decision making; Australia
Year01 Jan 2006
JournalJournal of Educational Administration
Journal citation44 (2), pp. 106-121
PublisherEmerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN0957-8234
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/09578230610652015
Web address (URL)https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09578230610652015/full/html
Open accessPublished as non-open access
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range106-121
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Print01 Mar 2006
Publication process dates
AcceptedSep 2005
Deposited23 Apr 2024
Additional information

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Place of publicationAustralia
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