The role of department heads as change agents in the implementation of educational reform in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The implementation of educational reform in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) imposes a change agent role on secondary school department heads however the assistance-intensive process is inhibited by the current educational structure. As the concept of teacher empowerment becomes accepted, some department heads have the ability to develop a professional learning community while others are unable to do so. The present study considers the present and ideal role of the department head as a change agent facilitating the implementation of educational reform in the UAE. A sequential mixed method mode of inquiry with two phases was employed. In phase one, department heads were profiled from a self, superior and subordinate perspective and a conceptual framework related to patterns of effective change agent behaviour was developed. Findings show that effective change agent characteristics of department heads included priorities related to change implementation and teacher support, a collaborative leadership style, seven strategies related to a participatory, supportive and facilitative approach and ten skills that motivate, energise and encourage teachers. The identification of two ineffective department heads by teacher informants in phase one provided an opportunity to study the work of effective and ineffective department heads as cases in-depth. Case study findings confirm the conceptual framework because effective heads were rated high for all characteristics identified, while ineffective heads were rated low. All department heads accepted the change agent role unofficially with no additional time release, but effective heads took ownership of the process and empowered teachers while ineffective heads provided assistance on request. Effective heads used interpersonal skills and asserted themselves as technical experts while ineffective heads were passive and were considered to be traditional teachers. Strategies and skills employed by effective heads included resource linking, collaborative problem solving, facilitation, support and administration/organisation while ineffective department heads used resolution giving and providing technical assistance. Time constraints, restrictive school schedules and role ambiguity were identified as major impediments to the change agent role of department heads in his study. Nevertheless, the new curriculum is being implemented in all of the departments studied verifying that the department head is an untapped resource in the change process.