The Influence of Christianity and Gender on School Leadership Practices in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Schools were introduced to the Pacific Island cultures during the colonial period. While many schools have reinvigorated traditional cultural patterns since independence, they remain subject to international influences and are in a state of constant change. School principals are influential figures in the school community and society. Although schools in Papua New Guinea are governed by school boards, it is the principal who manages the school. As a result, the principal's beliefs about how the school should be governed carry more weight than teachers and other stakeholders. This paper reports on a recent study of male and female school principals in the PNG school system. A majority said their leadership performance was greatly influenced by their Christian beliefs and practice which has been accepted as part and parcel of the PNG macro culture. Religion has clearly had a powerful post-colonial impact.