Leadership style and school effectiveness of top managers in private schools: İstanbul sample

The purpose of this research is to collect data about the leadership style and school effectiveness of top managers in private schools, and to analyze the contribution of the applied style of leadership?s effects on the school, qualitatively.Data was obtained through face to face and semi-structured inquiry forms. In order to develop interview questions, expert views were taken before and after pilot applications. 13 general managers of private schools, 25 primary and high school principals, namely 38 administrators were interviewed. Data obtained from the research was read several times and grouped into specific concepts.Data obtained from administrators was analyzed several times; some main concepts emerged as determining subjects. The data obtained from the interviews are gathered under seven major topics and they were analyzed in detail with qualitative research methods.As a result, it was determined that most principals adopt democratic leadership and instructional leadership theory, while some others adopt occasional and transformational leadership styles. Only two administrators adopt authoritarian leadership. It was also determined that principals? answers to some other inquiry questions such as characteristics of principals, communication, vision, support items, the quality of the staff, use of performance appraisal and missions which were designed to find out the effect of leadership style of the interviewed principals on their school show the effect of the leadership styles, directly. The research displays that administrators who adopt democratic leadership try to introduce innovations, develop and transform their institutions. On the other hand, the administrators who adopt authoritarian leadership worry about their control over the school and they are in favor of the status quo.The determination of the principals characteristics and their needs will increase their professional development and effect. The findings of this research might assist further detailed studies which will be carried out by different methods.