Page 119 - ALR2019 Handbook

Using Qualitative Research to Gain an Indigenous Perspective

on School Leadership Practice
Truong Dinh Thang

While there is an emerging global consensus that the knowledge base in educational
leadership must offer a deeper examination of leadership practice across a more
diverse set of national contexts, this challenge has yet to be adequately addressed with
respect to research in Asia and in Vietnam in particular. The main purpose of the talk is
to explore the values of qualitative research methods in filling in blank spots in the
literature and adding to the thin knowledge base of school leadership in Asia. In-depth
qualitative research can explicate the contextual logics that shape leader beliefs,
attitudes and behaviours, clarify the boundaries of universal and contextually
dependent leadership practices, and thus contribute to an indigenous perspective on
school leadership practice.

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