Key Characteristics of Collaborative Leadership in Elementary Schools: Understanding the Perceptions of Principals and Teachers

Collaborative leadership is a process of leadership that allows all stakeholders to be actively involved in the decision-making process. This leadership process incorporates the perspectives and insight of the stakeholders in order to sustain effective change. The review of the literature expresses that leadership within the organization must have a strong understanding of need to create a culture built on respect, communication, and openness in order to implement this with fidelity. Research suggests that collaborative leadership is an effective process to allow for open communication and empowerment within the organization. This qualitative research study investigated the perceptions that elementary school principals and teachers hold regarding the necessary characteristics of social interactions in a collaborative environment. Through one-on-one interviews with two building principals and focus-group interviews with teachers in those same schools, the researcher found five common themes in what beliefs each respective group holds regarding the relational characteristics crucial for effective collaboration. These five themes of (a) caring, (b) generative listening, (c) nonjudgmental trust, (d) involvement, and (e) respect were consistent throughout all interviews. This research now provides elementary educators with a stronger understanding of what relationship characteristics are important to a collaborative environment. Educational leaders now have a deeper understanding of how they can foster collaborative leadership environments within their elementary schools.Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201