Date of Graduation

Spring 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education Policy, Planning, and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Heather Schugar, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Crystal Loose, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Maureen Reusche, Ed.D.

Abstract

It takes five or more years to fully realize a vision for change in any organization (Fullan, 2002; Snodgrass Rangel, 2018), yet the average tenure for a public-school principal in their same school is 4.5 years (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2023). This work adds to our understanding of what factors may improve principal longevity to positively impact school effectiveness. This multiple-case study (Yin, 2018) incorporated a survey and interviews to determine how components of social capital (Bourdieu,1986; Coleman, 1988; Tsounis 2022, Wang et al., 2014) may impact the retention of Pennsylvania public school principals. The survey asked about tenure, retention disposition, and self-ratings on social capital rating scales: Personal Social Capital Scale 16 (Wang et al., 2014) and Workplace Social Capital Inventory (Tsounis et al., 2022). In all, 25 principals completed the survey. Six were selected for interviews, three with above average tenure in their school and three with below average tenure. Interviews provided insight into the impact that aspects of their personal and workplace relationships had in their ability and desire to sustain their role. Findings indicate that there is likely a positive relationship between principal tenure in their same school and trust in personal relationships with colleagues and job-alike professionals (personal bonding social capital) and the level of trust and reciprocity in workplace relationships at all levels of the district hierarchy (workplace cognitive social capital). Trust and reciprocity in these relationships matters, while number and influence of individuals with whom principals are networked does not. The findings are further discussed through the lens of Social Capital Theory and Change Leadership Theory.

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