Prescriptions for high school administrative teams

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the widespread use of teams and extensive research regarding school‐based teams, there is a paucity of research regarding team‐theory applied to high school administrations. This paper aims to explore the team structures and conditions of a public high school administration that has demonstrated success with a heterogeneous student population.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study employing multiple approaches within a qualitative particularistic case study methodology. The participants were the members of a public high school administration, plus the employees of the school. The study used surveys, semi‐structured interviews, and coded observations to examine the structures and conditions of the administration as a team.

Findings

The findings suggest practical strategies of value to school leaders seeking to increase the likelihood for administrative team success. A qualitative case study of a public high school administration revealed the presence of five enabling conditions and structures of high performance teams (HPT): real team, compelling direction, proper work structure, supportive context, and expert coaching.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is limited to one participant school and the size limits the findings and may not be representative of the population of all public high schools. In addition, the findings warrant additional research that includes a broader, more extensive, and diverse population.

Practical implications

The findings in this research are of practical value to school leaders seeking to increase the likelihood for administrative team success.

Originality/value

This paper extends a model examined in other industries to education, and has both practical and theoretical value. The exploration of critical structures within a high school administrative team is new and its practical applicability increases its value.

Citation

Markette, N.J. (2012), "Prescriptions for high school administrative teams", Team Performance Management, Vol. 18 No. 5/6, pp. 277-294. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527591211251113