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Article
Changing Cultural Norms Through Educational Leadership: Voices from Ghanaian Women Principals
International Journal of Educational Management
  • Corinne Brion, University of Dayton
  • A. Ampah-Mensah, University of Dayton
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenology study was to understand the experiences of women principals located in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) district of the Central Region of Ghana, a patriarchal and traditional society. Specifically, this study examined how cultural factors positively or negatively influenced women access to the principal role and influenced their leadership experiences. Using Hofstede et al.’s (2010) six dimensions of national culture as a conceptual framework, this study elucidates the experiences of 12 women school leaders. Findings revealed that these women navigated cultural norms and beliefs in order to exercise their own leadership style and pursue their careers in education. These women leaders were also able to gradually change the teachers’ and community members’ mindsets on women and leadership. This study is significant because it informs educational reforms on gender equity and leadership preparation programs and sheds light on culturally informed leadership practices unique to women.

ISBN/ISSN
0951-354X
Document Version
Postprint
Comments

The document available for download is the authors' accepted manuscript, provided in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. Permission documentation is on file.

To view the version of record, see the journal website.

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Keywords
  • Gender equity,
  • educational leadership,
  • woman leaders,
  • Ghana
Citation Information
Corinne Brion and A. Ampah-Mensah. "Changing Cultural Norms Through Educational Leadership: Voices from Ghanaian Women Principals" International Journal of Educational Management Vol. 35 (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/corinne-brion/37/