Phenomenologizing the Leadership Practices of the Selected School Heads in the Philippines

Abstract

Educational leadership has been one of the interesting arguments of many academic researchers over the years. School heads have significant tasks to fulfill as they are responsible for the entire operation of the school as instructional and organizational leaders. In Catholic institutions, school heads are also accountable for the integral formation of the students, as well as the spiritual well-being of faculty and staff, parents and the stakeholder. Most often, they are challenged by various obligations and they need to have strong spirituality in their leadership practices. This qualitative study attempted to describe the leadership practices of a select group of heads of schools run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts in the Philippines as basis for a proposed leadership formation framework. Thirty (30) heads of schools participated in the study. Among them, six (6) were Principals, six (6) were assistant principals, twelve (12) were academic coordinators and six (6) were heads of different offices. They underwent semi-structured depth interviews. The findings formed “The Whirl of Christ-Centred Leadership Model for Heads of Schools”describes the common practices and the critical instances which make the onset experience, and the value engagements that are observed in the institutions. The findings of this study provides valuable inputs to help school heads to become more inclined and spiritually empowered to influence people, work collaboratively that may result to a progressive and smooth working environment.