This thesis explores the usefulness of micropolitical theory to explain and predict teacher reaction to performance pay incentives. Drawing from the research traditions of rationalism, culturalism and structuralism, a micropolitical approach to analyzing education reform focuses attention on the ability of individuals (in this case, teachers) to respond rationally to incentives within a school context marked by certain structural and cultural constraints. Exploring the theoretical base for this educational reform shines light on the value of the micropolitical perspective while explaining how rational, cultural and structural elements of schooling interact to shape teacher behavior in pay-for-performance programs.
Teacher response to performance pay incentives are first analyzed through rational, cultural and structural lenses. Then, the theory of teacher motivation is presented as an amalgamation of these three research traditions and thus, as an example of a micropolitical perspective. The case is made that this hybrid theoretical approach to understanding teacher behavior within pay-for-performance programs is stronger, and ultimately more useful, than the application of any one theory in isolation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VANDERBILT/oai:VANDERBILTETD:etd-07132006-094139 |
| Date | 19 July 2006 |
| Creators | Hayes, Susan Ansell |
| Contributors | Robert Crowson, Thomas Smith |
| Publisher | VANDERBILT |
| Source Sets | Vanderbilt University Theses |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://etd.library.vanderbilt.edu/available/etd-07132006-094139/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to Vanderbilt University or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
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