With data from 256 school principals in Manitoba, this study examined the effect of external environmental constraints upon the various types and sources of job-related stress. Results indicated that external pressures triggered extraorganizational and intraorganizational stress as well as the less obvious intrapersonal stress. (TE)

A study examined principals' working conditions to identify key areas of job-related stress. Documentation of stressful incidents reported by five rural principals indicated that external- and internal-management sources of stress were equally frequent. The cycle of stressful experiences was more intense than a decade ago. Leadership…

Examines coping strategies adopted by eight Manitoba principals in light of current environmental (fiscal) restraints. Identified both general coping strategies (proactive planning, decentralized decision making, and alternative resource generation) and unique approaches (routinization of problems, negotiated order, and support groups). Confronted…

Environmental characteristics and constraints among Canadian public schools and those of Swaziland are captured in profiles for detailed comparison. Problems unique to the schools in each cultural setting are identified and adaptation processes experienced by each system are explored. (CJH)

Based on current literature, this article proposes a two-dimensional matrix consisting of factors extracted from domains having constraining effects on school operation and of environmental attributes that conceivably describe those external factors identified. An instrument capable of constructing graphic representation of constraint sizes is…

Examines superintendents', principals', and teachers' coping strategies for dealing with externally imposed problems or disruptive change in four Manitoba school divisions. Identifies seven major coping strategies and analyzes them in terms of strategic choice theory versus environmental determinist theory. Contains 30 references. (SV)

Assesses the effects of external constraints on teachers and the types of adaptation strategies they utilize. Interviews teachers in western Canada and finds they experience high stress from external constraints. Observes that teachers' coping options did not compromise their teaching but fed feelings of powerlessness in efforts to improve school…