The importance of ethics in leading an International Baccalaureate School in China

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the challenges that leaders and teachers face in a British-style, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme school in China. Although there has been substantial literature devoted to the spread of International Baccalaureate Schools in East and Southeast Asia, relatively little research has been done on International Baccalaureate schools in China. This study investigated the cultural expectations of school leaders and how school leaders and teachers could negotiate these. A total of seven semi-structured interviews were held with school leaders and teachers to investigate these challenges. Twenty-four teachers were also surveyed. It was found that emotional intelligence and cultural awareness were vital for leaders. Furthermore, as achieving consensus can be very difficult in an international school setting, it was vital for leaders to rely on their ethical judgements and core principles.