Browsing by Author "Casimiro, Lokwang Koryang"

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    Coping Strategies against Burnout in School Leaders: A Comparative Study of School Leaders in Lebanon and Uganda
    (2019) Casimiro, Lokwang Koryang
    This study explores, compares and contrasts coping strategies used by school leaders in Lebanon and Uganda against risks of burnout. Typically, school leaders’ work is stressful as it is characterised by multiple, undefined and often conflicting roles and expectations despite time, funding and staffing constraints; insufficient preparation; institutional interference; and lack of supports systems. These lead to emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and job dissatisfaction. Yet there are hardly any empirical and theoretical studies in Lebanon and Uganda that address burnout in school leaders. This study adopted a grounded theory approach to gauge coping strategies used by 16 school leaders selected using purposive and theoretical sampling. Data collection and analysis were simultaneously conducted, with data analysis determining what data to collect next until saturation was reached. Findings revealed few differences in coping strategies at the national context. However, personal and school contexts contributed to variations in coping strategies. Common coping strategies used by school leaders in both Lebanon and Uganda included: sharing leadership responsibilities, understanding school culture, adaptability, balancing work and personal life, building support and collaboration, time management, expertise and professional development. A coping strategy unique to few participants in Lebanon was building a culture of trust, and operating with a leadership team. In Uganda, schools had a leadership structure in which the school leader had two deputies. The leadership structure also gave some responsibilities to student leaders. The study recommends that school leaders adopt leadership styles and school culture that promote shared responsibility to offset stress, strain and possible burnout.