What kind of international school leaders are in demand around the world? A test of differences by region and stability over time

This article provides a systematic review of research on leadership in international schools, though not focusing on International Baccalaureate schools which are the focus of a separate paper. International schools are autonomous, private bodies that cater to the globally advantaged. Accordingly, this literature review views them and their leadership through the Bourdieusian concept of distinction. Educational leaders in this context face considerable complexities. International schools thrive on the distinction they confer, it being intrinsic to these schools' identity. International schools can be understood as existing on a matrix, or spectrum, between conceptions of international and global; equitable and marketplace. The review finds that international schools experience considerable unhelpful change and transition, where consistency is highly prized yet difficult to achieve. Along with tensions between their equitable and market orientation, transition emerges as the most significant challenge facing educational leaders in this context.

Section: The Role Of the International Schoolmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Roberts & Mancuso (2014) led a mixed methods study into leadership styles, as expressed through recruiting. By examining advertisements for the position of principal or director, they found a need for ‘inspirational motivators’ and leaders who expressed ‘individualised consideration’.…”

Section: Leadership In International Schoolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

International schools: leadership reviewed

Gardner-McTaggart

2018

“…Citing the international school director recruitment process, Roberts and Mancuso (2014, p.103) describe the process of finding a director for an international school as ‘Looking for God on a good day.’ Viewed critically, it is unclear whether non-English God-like leaders are in short supply, or whether they are in short supply because they are not ‘English’. Nevertheless, the leader is expected to navigate between the IB, the identity of the school, and that of her/his vision.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Birds of a Feather: Senior International Baccalaureate International Schools Leadership in Service

Gardner-McTaggart

2018

This article presents original research into International Baccalaureate international schools’ directors in Western Europe, based on multiphase contact with six director participants over two years and employing an aspect of critical-phenomenology. Successful leadership in this context responds to market demands with a commodification of Anglo identity. Service emerges as central to leadership, closely linked to cultural identity. Female participants appear as more successfully balanced directors. Directors indicate societal values as being more important than the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile.

“…In cost terms, the greatest threat to schools comes from teachers. With between two-thirds and three-quarters of school fees spent on staff salaries (The Economist, 2009) and with, as Roberts and Mancuso (2014) argued in a previous issue of this journal, teacher retention and salary packages closely linked, salary costs are a significant factor in the profitability of schools. Teachers could, in theory, demand increases to pay and conditions such that profitability was reduced, and the competitiveness of the industry increased.…”

Section: Power Of Suppliersmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Great Asian International School Gold Rush: an economic analysis

Machin

2017

The number of international schools is growing, especially in Asia. This presents competitive challenges; most obviously for student recruitment and retention. However, demand for places at these schools is also growing. As a result, while international schooling may feel competitive, aggregate economic data show that growing numbers do not axiomatically equate to fierce competition; many schools enjoy benign market pressures. This observation, the paper concludes, encourages a more nuanced view of international school competition across Asia-and of its gold rush conditions.