Leading Chinese Heritage Schools: A Case Study Exploring the Leadership of Effective Transmission of Culture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the leadership effectiveness of a nonprofit, volunteer-based weekend Chinese heritage language school, focusing on its Board of Trustees and Administrative Committee. This research explored the dynamics of leadership and collaboration within the school, specifically through the lens of a curriculum reform event. This study used a qualitative case study approach, collecting extensive data through 17 one-on-one interviews, two board meeting observations, one administrator office observation, a review of the bylaws, and parent survey data with 78 responses. A multi-step coding process identified key themes related to leadership and administration, revealing the situational factors that influence the school’s performance, including its challenges and achievements. Key findings revealed that the leadership team demonstrated effectiveness in both weekly operations and during the curriculum reform, although small conflicts existed. Their collaborative efforts and structured approaches enabled the school to navigate complex challenges while fulfilling its mission of promoting Chinese language and culture. Their work reflected transformational and distributed leadership, fostering a shared vision and empowering stakeholders through collective decision-making and responsibility. Implications of these findings suggest that improving governance, communication, and operational efficiency is crucial for the sustainability of nonprofit heritage language schools. Clearer registration processes, structured meeting schedules, and regular curriculum discussions could enhance stakeholder satisfaction and instructional quality. Strengthening leadership accountability and exploring hybrid governance models may also improve long-term stability. Future research on leadership in diverse heritage language schools could offer valuable insights into best practices for organizational effectiveness and cultural preservation.