Exploring Value-driven Leadership: Perspectives From School Leaders

Abstract

The applicability of leadership theories on leaders’ personal values in a non-Western context remains unclear. This study attempts to explore school leaders’ value-driven leadership practices in Malaysian primary schools. This study employed a qualitative approach using interviews with five school leaders from Malaysian national primary schools. Qualitative data analysis rendered a contextualization of servant-, authentic-, and ethical leadership attributes such as advocates positive discipline, tolerance to conflicts, humility and gentleness, building trust, empowerment, fairness and responsibility, joint decision-making, and rational problem solving. This study informs a better understanding of value-driven leadership practices to deal with challenging situations in schools.