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Dergiler / Research in Educational Administration and Leadership / 2026 / Volume: 11 Issue: 2

Understanding Principal Turnover: An International Literature Review with a Narrative Synthesis Approach

Maria Styf(Mid Sweden University)0000-0001-5631-2714
Tony Bush(Nottingham university)0000-0001-8995-6057
Derek Glover0000-0000-0000-0000
Katina Thelin(Uppsala university)0000-0002-4897-6657
Sandra Lund(Mid Sweden University)0000-0003-4209-0406
Susanne Sahlin(Mid Sweden University)0000-0003-3481-1648
Sayfa
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Yayın Tarihi
2026-06-27
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⚡ TL;DR(1 Cümlede Hızlı Çıkarım)

In conclusion, this literature synthesis enhances our understanding of principal turnover by incorporating international perspectives and emphasizes the necessity for further research beyond the US.

📌 3 Maddede Bu Makale

🎯
Amaç & Hipotez:In recent years, principal turnover has attracted increasing scholarly attention in educational leadership, resulting in a growing body of research.
📊
Temel Bulgular & Veri:This study addresses that gap by conducting a narrative literature synthesis spanning from 2009 to 2024.
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Sonuç & Katkı:In conclusion, this literature synthesis enhances our understanding of principal turnover by incorporating international perspectives and emphasizes the necessity for further research beyond the US.
🔬Tür:Literatür & Derleme Çalışması
📍Kapsam:2009 Verileri
⚙️Değişkenler:International Perspective · Literature Review · Narrative Synthesis Approach

Abstract

In recent years, principal turnover has attracted increasing scholarly attention in educational leadership, resulting in a growing body of research. While most studies have originated from the American context, with a small fraction exploring other countries, there is a gap in synthesising literature from an international perspective. This study addresses that gap by conducting a narrative literature synthesis spanning from 2009 to 2024. The aim of this study is to deepen the understanding of principal turnover from a broader international standpoint than previous literature reviews. This study investigates the causes and consequences, as well as the similarities and differences in turnover across countries. The results reveal emerging themes from 74 papers across 14 different countries, with more than half (42 of 74) being US-based. Despite the predominance of US-based research, similar definitions of turnover and negative consequences are reported internationally. Contextual factors, including school location and type, play a crucial role in turnover dynamics. For instance, rural contexts consistently demonstrate negative outcomes in both US and Chinese studies, whereas variations are observed within urban districts. In conclusion, this literature synthesis enhances our understanding of principal turnover by incorporating international perspectives and emphasizes the necessity for further research beyond the US.

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Bu Makaleye Atıf Yap

Styf, M., Bush, T., Glover, D., Thelin, K., Lund, S., Sahlin, S. (2026). Understanding Principal Turnover: An International Literature Review with a Narrative Synthesis Approach. Research in Educational Administration and Leadership, Volume: 11 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1818328

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