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The Rise of Neurotics: Social Networks, Leadership, and Efficacy in District Reform

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Educational Administration Quarterly: The Journal of Leadership for Effective & Equitable Organizations

Published online on

Abstract

Purpose: Increasing evidence suggests the importance of relationships between district and site leaders. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the social infrastructure between and among leaders especially as related to the exchange of advice related to reform. Moreover, we have limited understanding regarding the mechanisms that are associated with how certain leaders occupy influential social positions. Method: Using social network data from district and site leaders, we conducted social network analysis and regression models to examine the relationship between a leader’s network position measured by incoming, outgoing, and close ties; personality traits; and leader self-efficacy controlling for demographics. Findings: Findings indicate that leaders with more incoming advice relationships from other leaders were associated with more years of experience in the district, being self-identified as "neurotic," reporting higher efficacy in leading reform, and less efficacy in management. Leaders with more outgoing advice ties also self-identified as "neurotic" and reported lower efficacy in management. Leaders who were readily sought in terms of advice were explained by the number of years in the district and the self-reported personality traits of "neurotic," "extraverted," and "conscientious." Leaders who were able to more efficiently connect to other leaders for advice were explained by being "neurotic," "extraverted," and "conscientious" as well as reporting low efficacy for management. Implications: Results suggest the importance of considering both personality traits as well as perceptions of efficacy in terms of understanding how leaders come to occupy influential social position in an advice network related to reform.