Job Desirability of the High School Principalship: A Job Choice Theory Perspective

Abstract

Many have raised concerns regarding the shortage of qualified candidates for high school principal positions. Using job choice theory as a conceptual framework, this article examines factors that influence potential candidates’ job perceptions and job intentions regarding the high school principalship. Middle school and assistant high school principals (N = 170) in one western state were surveyed regarding the influence job attributes have on their attraction to the high school principalship, their likelihood of seeking a high school principalship, and their likelihood of accepting a position if offered, resulting in an overall index of job desirability. After controlling for candidates’ expectations about being offered the position, results indicate that potential candidates’ perceptions of the high school principalship’s job desirability are significantly related to the desire to achieve and improve education (subjective factor), the additional time demands of the job (a work factor), and the salary and benefits (objective factor).