Emotional experiences of a head teacher during the first two year period of leadership in a secondary school in Cyprus

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Mourettou, Mary (2017) Emotional experiences of a head teacher during the first two year period of leadership in a secondary school in Cyprus. EdD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This case study explored the nature of emotional experiences of a female newly appointed head teacher, the Novice, in a public Cypriot lower secondary school in Cyprus. Coping strategies and the development of interpersonal relationships with teachers, in association with trustworthy leadership, were followed in terms of a step by step process. The study draws upon qualitative research methods, rooted within the naturalistic paradigm in order to illuminate the emotions associated with the professional and organizational socialization of the Novice in the context of Cyprus. Data were collected through head teacher observation and semi- structured interviews, as well as semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with teachers.

Emotional experiences were associated with challenges faced throughout transition and were classified according to four adaptation phases, accompanied by intense Emotional Labour. During the first phase, the Novice realizing the ultimate responsibility that was associated with the role, felt shocked, isolated and lonely. During the second phase, feelings of anger, anxiety, frustration and bitterness prevailed. Mental and physical exhaustion were tied in with being sad, depressed, desperate and feeling sorry for herself. Finally, during the last phase when the Novice accepted the situation, feelings of assertiveness and contentment finalized the successful adaptation to the new environment as she had successfully built trust, becoming a trustworthy leader.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (EdD)
Supervisors: Harris, Belinda
Day, Christopher
Keywords: Emotional Leadership, Educational Leadership, Case Study, Cyprus, Emotions, Emotional Labour, Emotional Understanding, Transition to Headship
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Social Sciences, Law and Education > School of Education
Item ID: 41874
Depositing User: Mourettou, Mary
Date Deposited: 19 Jul 2017 04:40
Last Modified: 13 Oct 2017 01:09
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/41874

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