Survival at the Top: Issues and Challenges Affecting the Tenure of International School Heads

Abstract

The international school market has grown significantly over the past two decades. This has provided tremendous opportunities for school leaders to take on leadership positions around the globe. Existing literature notes short tenure and a high termination rate suggesting that many international school heads may not have developed the requisite skills to successfully lead an international school. However, significant gaps in the literature exist, most notably current statistics on tenure, an understanding of the current issues and challenges that impact the length of tenure, and which qualities and skills enhance success as a school head. To address these gaps, this study, through a mixed methods design, and framed by principal-agent theory, examines the current length of tenure of international school heads and the issues impacting tenure. In addition, challenges faced in leading an international school were also examined. A total of 177 international school heads completed a survey and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative components indicate that while tenure has increased to an average of 4.8 years since a previous study conducted over a decade ago, many of the same issues heads of school face remain, in particular the challenges of working with the school board. Key variables which impact tenure are explicated. The most significant challenges revolve around governance and board relations, finance, staffing, and the impact of organizational politics. This study guides current and aspiring international heads of school with recommendations to address important structural challenges which continue to impact their ability to retain the position.