Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2008

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Steve Gruenert

Second Advisor

Robert Boyd

Third Advisor

Jeff McNabb

Abstract

Although the concept of social capital in many respects remains shrouded in confusion and misunderstanding, it does present a foundation for describing and understanding the powerful nature of trust and relationships in the education environment. This study was primarily about adding an angle to the study of human relationships that investigates the mechanisms that technology provides for social investments. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to understand the effects technology has on social capital in public K-12 schools. lll The researcher has provided evidence from both the literature review and the responses from 42 practicing principals regarding the habits of principals and their role in shaping social capital in their schools. Additionally, the study also has provided a pilot study for further research into understanding the increasing complexity that technology offers today's principal as well as their role in shaping social capital. The pilot study also serves to provide a foundation for future studies that will investigate further the value technological tools play in the dynamic leadership of a principal. Further, this study also adds to the rather limited literature that already exists which focuses on the principal's use of technology that serves to ultimately impact the social capital of their schools. Finally, to the practicing principal, this study suggests that technology offers many benefits to the efficient and high tech principal, however, the principals who wander, interact, listen, and build trust and relationships throughout their schools, do so in order to build and maintain a school rich in social capital and trust.

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