Innovative Leadership Attributes of School Administrators in the Philippines: Implications for Educational Management

Innovative Leadership Attributes of School Administrators in The Philippines: Implications for Educational Management

Arlene R. Pagaura∗

Bukidnon State University, Philippines

 

Interdisciplinary
Research Review  Vol.15 No.2 (April 2020)

 

วิเคราะห์และนำเสนอบทความ โดย  Wannarasmi  Chanthakut

Abstract

Innovative leadership is crucial in the 21st century. The success of any organization depends on the kind of leaders in managing at the helm of the institution. This study determined the attributes of school administrators in the four dimensions namely: visionary, team builder, relationship builder, and risk taker. The descriptive method was employed using quantitative data. This study was conducted at Bukidnon State University, Northern Mindanao, Philippines. A total of 102 respondents participated in this study. They represented the five colleges of the university such as the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Nursing, College of Education, College of Social Development, College of Business, and College of Social Development and Technology. The data were gathered using a researcher-structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated and the coefficient reliability of Cronbach Alpha is 0.951. Mean and Standard deviation were utilized to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the administrators were rated agree by their teachers considering the four indicators of innovative leadership attributes. This implies that the administrators are much highly innovative. The result of the study serves as a guide for educational planners to incorporate the results of the study in the regular strategic planning.

 

Research Objectives

This study aimed to achieve the following objectives:

1.    Identify the innovative leadership attributes of school administrators based on four dimensions: visionary, team builder, relationship builder, and risk taker.

2.    Examine the implications of these attributes for educational management.

---

Theory or Related Literature Reviews

1.    Innovative Leadership

o   Innovative leadership integrates multiple leadership styles to foster creativity and productivity within organizations. It emphasizes nurturing skills and problem-solving abilities (Spahr, 2017).

o   Basu and Green's path-goal theory and leader-member exchange theory underline the necessity of diverse leadership styles to adapt to organizational needs (Basu & Green, 1997).

2.    Attributes of Innovative Leadership

o   Visionary Leaders: Responsible for strategic innovation and setting future-oriented goals (Kotter, 2018).

o   Team Builders: Foster collaboration, inspire teamwork, and encourage professional development among subordinates (Perry, 2011).

o   Relationship Builders: Establish trust and dignity among employees to create a positive and inclusive work environment (Kouzes & Posner, 2003).

o   Risk Takers: Navigate uncertainty with calculated decision-making, encouraging novel initiatives (Simon, 2010).

3.    Relevance of Innovation Leadership

o   Studies highlight its impact on enhancing organizational creativity, adapting to technological advancements, and achieving institutional goals (Miller et al., 2012).

---

Conceptual Framework and Variables

The study is based on Gliddon's Innovation Leadership Model, emphasizing attributes that create environments conducive to innovation. The four dimensions analyzed are:

1.    Visionary

2.    Team Builder

3.    Relationship Builder

4.    Risk Taker

---

📐📑Research Methodology

1.    Design

o   The study employed a descriptive research method to identify and analyze leadership attributes through quantitative data collection.

2.    Participants

o   Conducted at Bukidnon State University during the academic year 2018–2019.

o   Sample size: 102 faculty members, representing 35% of the total population of 292 teachers, chosen via simple random sampling.

3.    Instrument

o   A researcher-designed questionnaire was used, validated for content and reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.951).

o   The questionnaire comprised two parts: participant profiles and the four leadership dimensions (21 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale).

4.    Analysis

o   Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to determine participants’ perceptions of the administrators' leadership attributes.

---

🔆🔑Conclusions or Findings

1.    Leadership Attributes

o   Visionary: Administrators scored highly, with teachers strongly agreeing they facilitate clear goals and foster innovative work environments (Mean = 4.21).

o   Team Builder: Rated highest among the attributes, indicating administrators excel in motivating teamwork and encouraging professional growth (Mean = 4.29).

o   Relationship Builder: Teachers emphasized administrators' ability to build trust and respect within diverse teams (Mean = 4.21).

o   Risk Taker: Scored lowest, indicating room for improvement in embracing risks and novel decision-making (Mean = 4.09).

2.    Implications for Educational Management

o   Administrators must enhance risk-taking abilities to foster innovation in decision-making.

o   Institutions should provide training on human relations and risk management to support administrators in developing well-rounded leadership skills.

---

This study highlights the importance of equipping school administrators with innovative leadership skills. Incorporating findings into strategic planning can lead to improved organizational performance and more effective educational management. Future research may explore the relationship between leadership attributes and overall institutional success.