This paper argues that it is timely for educational researchers in Asia, and Singapore in particular, to generate cultural- and empirical-knowledge bases in school leadership that will speak to the specific interests of Asian students, educators and practitioners. As economic and social development across Asia gathers momentum, the more advanced…

Singapore has a high performing school system; its students top international tests in maths and science. Yet while the Singapore government cherishes its world class "brand", it realises that in a globally competitive world, its schools need to prepare students for the twenty-first-century knowledge-based economy (KBE). Accordingly, over the past…

Trainers and developers of school leaders across the globe are currently searching for models of best practice leadership development programmes. Are there generic features and principles of design underpinning such programmes? This article argues that corroborative evidence of what works in leadership training and development--to influence…

A traditional preoccupation with the immediate and short term on the part of school leaders has recently given way to recognition of the need for, and importance of, strategic leadership. However, this article expresses a number of concerns about recent thinking on strategic leadership, in particular, the view that vision and school improvement…

The educational management field has developed along ethnocentric (Anglo-American) lines. The five articles in this issue indicate possible directions for developing a comparative school-based approach to school administration. Key constructs, useful frameworks, and data-collection instruments to facilitate rigorous comparative analysis are…

Builds a case for comparative and international educational leadership and management, arguing that developing conceptual frameworks and instrumentation are imperative to keep the field abreast of globalization trends. Proposes a conceptual framework structured around interrelationships between societal and organizational culture and four key…

The educational leadership field has not kept pace with globalizing events in policy and practice. Discusses major issues (transfer of ideas, clarification of cultural concepts, cultural assumptions in management, politico-cultural contexts, and tensions between indigenous cultures and reform tenets) raised in this special issue and expresses them…

According to data from two Hong Kong secondary schools, principals did not significantly influence curriculum monitoring or innovation. However, the vice-principal and teachers in one school emphasized these duties more than counterparts at the other school. The difference may stem from students' greater demands on teachers. (Contains 41…

Summarizes a case study of dilemmas facing a Western Australian secondary headteacher involved in restructuring his school. Analyzes his methods of coping with intractable situations (like school expansion and performance management) and outcomes. Dilemmas offer both opportunities and challenges for visionary, proactive, and creative school…