Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe how four leadership behaviors—character, ability, reliability, and emotional intelligence—contribute to creating a culture of trust as demonstrated by elementary principals in International Baccalaureate Programmes. Methodology. The research method used for this study was descriptive case study. It included both qualitative and quantitative data. The study utilized two methods of gathering data: (a) structured one-to-one interviews of six principals and six IB coordinators at Primary Years Programme schools in California, and (b) a 13-item questionnaire of 32 teachers at six Primary Years Programme schools in California. Findings. Examination of quantitative and qualitative data from the six International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Schools indicated that there is a relationship between trust levels and successful change implementation and that the principals' behaviors influence the level of principal-teacher and teacher-teacher trust. Conclusions. The study data support the conclusion that trust impacts the success of the change initiative, and that the principal is key to building a culture of trust. All four of the CARE components—character, ability, reliability, and emotional intelligence—are useful in building trusting relationships; emotional intelligence has the greatest impact. An additional conclusion is that trust is fragile and can be eroded unless the leader is especially careful to be truthful and fair in all behaviors. Recommendations. Further research is advised with populations in other states or countries, with different levels of public and private schools, and with schools undergoing different types of change initiatives, such as those in Program Improvement. A larger sample population and observational data would also provide additional data for generalization.