Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine through survey and interviews the effect of formal training on the development of transformational leadership behaviors in superintendents in Los Angeles County. Methodology. Three instruments were used to collect data: Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Practices Inventory (completed by thirty-four superintendents and 128 principals who worked in Los Angeles County districts), the Leadership Training Survey completed by the thirty-four superintendents, and a semistructured interview questionnaire, conducted with six of the thirty-four superintendents. The six superintendents were chosen for the interviews because data indicated that they engaged frequently in transformational leadership behaviors. Findings. (1) Superintendents engaged in transformational leadership behaviors usually or fairly often, as perceived by both the superintendents and the principals. (2) Of the superintendents, 88 percent had participated in doctoral training programs, 68 percent had participated in master's degree training programs, 44 percent had participated in leadership academies and 41 percent had experienced leadership training centers. (3) Doctoral training programs had a strong impact on superintendents' leadership development. Masters training programs had a much weaker impact on superintendents' leadership development. (4) Leadership role and vision were the topics that had the strongest impact on superintendents' leadership development. (5) Discussion/dialogue, group work, and presentations by experts were the training methods that had a strong impact on superintendents' leadership development. Conclusions. Some conclusions are (1) Doctoral programs are effective in developing transformational leadership behaviors. (2) Master's degree programs are not very effective in developing transformational leadership behaviors. (3) Topics that help develop transformational leaders are leadership role, vision, change process, and strategic planning. (4) Training methods that include interaction, dialogue, and reflection among the trainees help to develop transformational leadership behaviors. Recommendations. Some recommendations are (1) Master's degree programs in leadership or administration should incorporate those topics and methods that help to develop transformational leaders. (2) Districts should encourage the use of leadership academies and leadership training centers for in-service training of leaders not seeking doctoral degrees.