Barallon, Linda (2011) Leadership development in small island states : the case of the Seychelles. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

In common with many other countries including small island developing states
(SIDS), the criteria for appointment as a head teacher in the Seychelles were not
formalised but, in practice, promotion was based mainly on teaching qualifications
and experience, level of commitment shown to education, and contributions made to
public life.
Since 2002, educational leadership training has been offered to senior school leaders
through a partnership between Seychelles and UK universities but it is not clear
whether these qualifications enable head teachers to lead their institutions effectively.
In practice, the acquisition of such training is being considered in the selection and
appointment of senior school leaders but this is not yet an official policy.
This thesis reports research focused on people in headship and other senior
leadership positions in Seychelles who have followed one of these programmes. The
research is an evaluation of the leadership development project designed to inform
senior ministry officials of its impact. It presents a critical view of leadership
development and its impact in a specific context, a SIDS with a centralised education
system.
In a survey involving 100% of these trained leaders, the interview responses
highlight issues related to the basis of their selection for training and subsequent
appointment in post; their training experiences, the extent to which they have been
able to put into practice what they have learnt, and how their learning has impacted
on their respective school. Responses obtained from senior Ministry officials show
how the trained leaders’ performance after training is perceived within the Ministry.
A case study of a primary school examines in depth observable changes in leadership
practices impacting on school outcomes that are attributed to leadership training and
development.
The research shows that the Seychelles education system was very successful in
preparing its leaders through partnerships with HE education bodies; with more than
90% of senior school leaders (heads and deputy heads) achieving a master’s
qualification. The findings also show a positive impact in terms of leaders’
satisfaction with the course, changes in their knowledge, disposition and skills;
changes in their leadership practices and, to some extent, improved school outcomes.
The findings revealed a lack of established structures and comprehensive
programmes for induction and mentoring of leaders; the lack of formal criteria and
procedures for the selection of leaders for training, appointment, promotion and
deployment; and limited provision for on-going support and continuous professional
development. Central selection prevails with female domination of leadership
positions at system and institutional levels.
The significance of this research is mainly in its originality as the only study of
leadership development, and its impact on school outcomes, in Seychelles.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Educational leadership -- Research -- Seychelles
Official Date:	July 2011
Dates:	Date Event July 2011 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Institute of Education
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Extent:	xii, 401 leaves : charts.
Language:	eng

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