Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of intuition and the frequency of intuitive decision making among elementary principals in six school districts in Southern California. Methodology. The relationships between level of intuition and frequency of intuitive decision making and the gender of the principal, principal's years and service at the school site, and size of the school were analyzed. The study also investigated the relationship between the principal's decision-making style and their perceived control over selected management functions. A survey was used which included the Champagne Hogan Personal Style Indicator and an instrument that assessed principal's perceptions of control over management functions and preferred decision-making styles. A sample of eighty-five principals was surveyed; 79 percent (67) responded. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis, analysis of variance, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, and the t-test. Findings. No significant difference was found between male and female principals in level of intuition or frequency of intuitive decision making. There was no relationship between either time on site or size of the school and level of intuition or frequency of intuitive decision making. No relationship was found between perceived control over selected management functions and frequency of intuitive decision making. Conclusions. The data confirm the findings of both previous studies and the literature which suggest that: (1) there is not a supportive environment for the use of intuition among principals, and women in particular; (2) increased time on a school site and increased school size result in the principal's reliance on rational decision-making processes; and (3) principals feel compelled to justify their decisions about management functions and rely on rational processes in their justification. Recommendations. Research must be conducted regarding: (1) the organizational environment and how over time it affects the principal's intuitive decision making; and (2) what facets of management functions demand rational decision-making processes and negate the use of intuitive processes.