Ideal Decision‐making Styles Indicated by Deputy Principals

Reports the study of the preferences for decision‐making responsibilities indicated by deputy principals of Catholic schools in Western Australia. The research methodology used a “specific situation” item questionnaire with the preferred style for making the decision concerning the specific siutuation being measured on a continuum with five alternatives of decision making. The results suggested that there were seven factors underlying the data collected,each with a different desired decision‐making style. These preferred styles appeared to be influenced by the personal skills and experiences which allowed the person to feel he/she could have some constructive input into the decision. Hence, management should consider installing a system of leadership which recognizes that differences do exist concerning the preferred leadership styles depending on the worker′s perceived impact of the decisions on the individual′s work life.