An investigation of the interpersonal sensitivity of selected secondary school principals as perceived by campus improvement teams

Abstract

To anyone who wishes to work in educational administration, having a clear understanding of how one perceives others, how one is perceived, and how one interprets what one perceives is a great advantage in relating to many different kinds of people (Owens, 1995, p. 40). Schoonover (1988, p. vi) stated, "Interpersonal skills are the basis for all management practices. They represent the foundation for productive work and employee satisfaction." The degree to which school principals possess interpersonal skills could be pivotal in the creation of a school climate conducive to student success. Unfortunately, research findings are very limited in clarifying high school principals' interpersonal skills. Thus, the research is vital in the investigation of the perceived relationship between principals' interpersonal sensitivity and the perceptions of the campus improvement teams of the principals' interpersonal sensitivity. Research is needed to add to the theoretical and practical dimensions of the principal's interpersonal skills. This study utilized a blend of descriptive research methods and naturalistic inquiry to gain insight into the differences between the principal's perception of his own interpersonal sensitivity and the perceptions of his campus team members. An important implication of the study was that awareness of the differences in perception between the principal and the campus team members is an important step in the development of interpersonal skills for the principal. The findings of the survey instrument showed that there were differences in the self-assessments of the principals and their respective campus teams' assessment of their interpersonal sensitivity. Among the differences was overall, the male principals tended to rate themselves higher on the instrument than did their campus teams and the female principals tended to be rate themselves lower than did their campus teams. The ability to perceive the needs of others and affect their behavior is essential in leadership. Being aware of the skills of interpersonal sensitivity is the first step to putting into practice the theories of management, motivation, and decision making.