Expectations of deputy school principal about their duties within the scope of expectancy theory

The aim of this study is to reveal the expectations of vice principals of schools regarding their duties within the framework of expectancy theory. The research was conducted in the form of qualitative research. The research was conducted based on the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research methods. When determining the study group, purposive sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was selected. The study group in the 2023-2024 academic year consists of 21 deputy school principal working in preschool, primary, secondary, and high schools in Tokat province. In the data collection process of the research, a semi-structured interview form consisting of nine open-ended questions was used for vice principals. The interviews were conducted face-to-face at a time and place convenient for the participants. The responses of the participants who did not attend to face-to-face interviews were noted and saved by the researcher. The data obtained in the research were analyzed from a descriptive perspective. Firstly, the participants defined the concept of vice principal as assistant staff, bridge, cornerstone of the school, guide, and key to the school. The participants stated their expectations from management as performing regular tasks, achieving academic success, being a leader, expecting a position, and change in the place of duty. The majority of the participants stated that vice principal ship is a step towards becoming a principal. The participants stated their development in management roles as benefiting from experienced individuals, personal development, in-service training, social media, legislation, and master's degree. The participants expressed the effects of motivation on management as a sense of responsibility, human relations, positive school atmosphere, communication, and being a manager. The majority of the participants stated that management provides prestige to the individual. The opinions of the participants regarding the positive effect of management on quality of life were mostly expressed as "yes, it does." The participants expressed the effects of management on quality of life as excessive working hours, economic concerns, inability to spend time with family, recognition, neatly dressed, and increased responsibility. The participants stated their new goals with management as advancing to higher positions, being a good manager, running a successful school, returning to teaching, and improving quality of life. As a result, it is necessary to formalize the job descriptions of school vice principals into a legal status, taking into account their leadership roles. Additionally, it is needed to be undertaken to minimize or eliminate the impact of attempts to become a manager due to necessity. Keywords: Expectancy, expectancy theory, school, vice principal