Abstract
Purpose. The three purposes of this study were to: (1) identify the intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial behaviors secondary school principals demonstrate to expand their resources, (2) identify the intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial behaviors secondary school principals demonstrate to integrate and focus their expanded resources on student achievement, and (3) determine in what way these expanded resources contribute to improved student achievement. Methodology. Five secondary principals, thirty-three school leaders, and seventeen community members from five districts in Southern California comprised the sample for this descriptive study. Surveys and face-to-face interviews were used to gather data. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Interviews and open-ended questions from the surveys were analyzed using qualitative methods. The response rate was 100 percent. Findings. Specific intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial leadership behaviors used by the five secondary principals to obtain and integrate additional resources to improve student achievement include: (1) work within the organizational structure to support and implement innovative ideas and programs; (2) create partnerships, alliances, and close working relationships with individuals and organizations to obtain additional resources; (3) build internal and external leadership capacity; (4) focus resources on specific student needs identified in the school improvement plan; (5) build technological infrastructures that support staff and student work; and (6) monitor and evaluate school programs, student progress, and program budgets to meet students' academic needs. Conclusions. The findings confirm that intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial secondary principals: (1) understand that to meet the diverse learning needs of all students they need to obtain additional resources and insure those resources are focused on improved student achievement, (2) do not allow the financial constraints to determine the kinds of support network they create to support student achievement, (3) develop school improvement plans with identified targets, and deadlines, but remain fluid and flexible so changes can be made when needed to improve student achievement. Recommendations for future research. Replicate this study with: (1) a larger sample of secondary principals throughout California to determine if the findings and conclusions are the same as those of this study; (2) a sample of secondary principals to determine if there is a difference between male and female intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial leadership behaviors.