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Schools as knowledge work organizations: Perspectives and implications from the new management literature

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Abstract

The authors argue that the knowledge work metaphor is the most powerful image of schools for understanding reform. Using themes from the new management literature, such as shared decision making, collegiality, innovation, and experimentation, as additional guides for school improvement, the authors develop a case for systemic reform based on the professionalization of teaching and the integration of theory, research, and practice, Finally, transformational leadership is presented as the key to facilitating systemic reform.

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Whitford, B.L., Hovda, R.A. Schools as knowledge work organizations: Perspectives and implications from the new management literature. Urban Rev 18, 52–70 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01112123

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