Constructing self-efficacy : a case study of three secondary school vice principals

Abstract

In this qualitative case study I hoped to enhance appreciation of the subjective reality of the vice principalship through descriptive analysis of how three secondary school vice principals in northern Ontario construct self-efficacy. I used interviews and job shadowing to investigate how participants navigated the inherent ambiguity and challenges of the vice principalship, how they knew if they were making a difference, and what criteria they used to measure their success. Analysis of stories and metaphors was used to determine the relative importance given to individual sources of self-efficacy and how such decisions were affected by personal conceptions of the qualities of the ideal vice principal. I described the cognitive processes participants used to negotiate ambiguities and the principles they used to construct self-efficacy. Despite commonalities, each construct of self-efficacy was unique. I suggest that constructs of self-efficacy involve such factors as self-control, a positive outlook, self-forgiveness, humour, and balance.