Principals’ Practices of Human Relationships in Faith-Based Schools: A Servant Leadership Perspective

Abstract

This article reports on an exploration into the human relationships practices of school leaders at faith-based schools as viewed through a servant leadership lens. The researchers employed a qualitative research design. Data were collected by means of individual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed, and the data were analysed using a process of deductive data analysis. The following themes were employed to understand the human relationship practices of faith-based school leaders: teamwork, collaborative environment, development of others, and enhancing values-based attributes in day-to-day leadership. Overall, the principals were found to be efficacious leaders who were involved in a hands- on manner in both task-orientated and person-orientated activities, such as daily managerial and leadership functions with a special focus on the servant leadership ideal. Among the participants, there was a common understanding that leadership was not practiced as an individual action but was practiced by involving other school members. We strongly recommend that the ongoing professional development of school principals should include components related to servant leadership in their day-to-day leadership practices.