Applying Vroom-Jago model Decision-Making Model of Leadership by Principals in Catholic Schools

Authors

  • Rosalinda Hernandez The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Sister Olivia Agbakoba The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Alejandro Garcia
  • Federico Guerra
  • Sister Olivia The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70062/philosophyglobal.v1i2.164

Keywords:

Catholic schools, principals, leadership, Vroom-Jago model, decision-making model

Abstract

Abstract

This study investigates Catholic school principals' decision-making processes and leadership styles in the United States. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 150 principals and conducted in-depth interviews with twenty participants. Key findings reveal that 68% of principals favor a collaborative leadership style, though external factors like diocesan policies and financial constraints significantly impact their autonomy. More experienced principals (10+ years) showed a higher tendency for unilateral decisions in crises. The study recommends that Catholic school leadership training programs integrate organized frameworks that balance collaborative methods with proactive action. These findings can guide diocesan leadership development programs, ensuring principals have specialized training in participatory decision-making and hierarchical leadership frameworks. It also highlights the importance of supportive diocesan structures to facilitate effective decision-making. This research contributes to understanding educational leadership in faith-based institutions and offers practical insights for improving Catholic school administration.

Keywords: Catholic schools, principals, leadership, Vroom-Jago model, decision-making model

Author Biographies

Rosalinda Hernandez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Dr. Rosalinda Hernandez, is a Professor in the Department of Organization and School Leadership in the College of Education at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Sister Olivia Agbakoba, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Dr. Sister Olivia is a classroom teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows in McAllen, Texas. 

Alejandro Garcia

Alejandro Garcia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Organization and School Leadership in the College of Education at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Federico Guerra

Federico Guerra is a Professor and Associate Dean in the College of Education at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Sister Olivia, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Sister Olivia is a classroom teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows School in McAllen, Texas.

References

Brownridge, P. (2015). Decision making in schools: A study of the decision-making processes used by

secondary school principals. Journal of Educational Leadership, 12(3), 245-260.

Cardinal Bernardin, J. (1989). Catholic schools: Opportunities and challenges. In R. J. Kealey (Ed.),

Reflections on the role of Catholic schools (pp. 211-220). National Catholic Educational Association.

Caruso, M. P. (2012). When the sisters said farewell: The transition of leadership in Catholic elementary

schools. Rowman & Littlefield Education.

Ciriello, M. J. (1996). Expectations for the Catholic school principal: A handbook for pastors and parish

school committees. United States Catholic Conference.

Ciriello, M. J. (1998). Formation and development for Catholic school leaders: The principal as spiritual

leader. United States Catholic Conference.

Drachmann, J., & Stenger, A. (1989). The Catholic school principal: An outline for action. National

Catholic Educational Association.

Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement. (2006). Leadership styles survey. Author.

McDonald, D., & Schultz, M. (2018). United States Catholic elementary and secondary schools

-2018: The annual statistical report on schools, enrollment, and staffing. National Catholic Educational Association.

Riojas, E. (2002). The preparation of urban Catholic school principals as faith leaders [Doctoral dissertation]. University of Texas at Austin.

Richardson, M. D., Short, P. M., & Prickett, R. L. (1993). School principals and change. Garland Publishing.

Ristau, K. (1991). Leadership of and on behalf of Catholic schools. National Catholic Educational Association.

Robey, P. V. (2012). Perspectives on the spiritual formation of Catholic school leaders. In P. V. Robey

(Ed.), Scholarly essays on Catholic school leadership (pp. 95-106). National Catholic Educational Association.

Vroom, V. H., & Jago, A. G. (1988). The new leadership: Managing participation in organizations.

Prentice Hall.

Vroom, V. H., & Jago, A. G. (2000). Leadership and decision-making. In J. T. Wren, D. A. Hicks, & T. L.Price (Eds.), The international library of leadership 2: Modern classics on leadership (pp. 143-158). Edward Elgar Publications.

Downloads

Published

2024-06-30

How to Cite

Hernandez, R., Agbakoba, S. O., Garcia, A., Guerra, F., & Agbakoba, S. O. (2024). Applying Vroom-Jago model Decision-Making Model of Leadership by Principals in Catholic Schools . Philosophy Global: International Journal of Christian and Catholic Philosophy, 1(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.70062/philosophyglobal.v1i2.164