A case study of successful leadership by an elementary school principal in Japan

Purpose This study aims to explore the characteristics and strategies of successful school leadership in a specific school in Japan, focusing on leadership values, identity and practices, and how stakeholders within and across the education system, including the principal, teachers, students, parents and community members, perceive successful school leadership in the context. Design/methodology/approach This study utilised a multi-perspective single case study approach using individual and focus group interviews with a principal, teachers, students, parents and community members, as well as a survey of the principal and teachers in an urban Japanese school. The interview and survey questions follow the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) protocol. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured interviews. Discourse analysis was adopted for the qualitative data. The quantitative survey data were used to complement the qualitative analysis. Findings Three key characteristics of successful principal leadership in this particular case were identified: Vision and communication of the principal, decision-making through a data-driven improvement cycle and, leadership mix. First, the principal communicated his values and disseminated them through inquiry-based learning as a tool for change at the school. Second, the principal identifies issues and makes quick decisions through short cycles of data-driven improvement. Third, the principal balanced top-down and bottom-up leadership, using a hierarchical approach to vision while promoting teacher autonomy through professional development. Originality/value This case study contributes to the literature on school leadership in Japan, addressing the paucity of research that emphasises “success” in a collective and hierarchical cultural context. Moreover, this study explores leadership from the diverse perspectives of other important stakeholders, including the principal, teachers, students, parents and community members.