Organizational Culture and School Leadership: From the Narratives of the School Heads

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the lived experiences, challenges, coping mechanisms, and personal insights of school heads in supervising, organizing, and leading the schools in the Department of Education Montevista District, Davao de Oro. Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with seven informants. Findings revealed a wide range of positive experiences, including building strong partnerships with stakeholders, fostering community and teacher collaboration, promoting teamwork, and implementing programs successfully. School heads also highlighted the importance of transparency, mentoring, shared leadership, and learner-centered practices as essential to effective school management. Despite these successes, the study uncovered numerous challenges. These included student behavioral issues, teacher attitudes, resource limitations, administrative workload, lack of parental involvement, communication problems, crisis management, and the struggle to balance multiple responsibilities. Such issues tested the leaders’ decision-making capacity and sometimes led to misalignment in outcomes, adversely affecting the school community. In response, school heads developed various coping strategies. These included empowering teachers, practicing patience and acceptance, focusing on goals, establishing strong communication, and drawing strength from personal purpose and optimism. They emphasized staying positive, being transparent, and building a strong school culture rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. The school heads’ insights reflected deep commitment and growth. They recognized the need for continuous improvement, innovation, integrity, and fairness. They valued the importance of being present, inspiring others, and maintaining a passion for education. Their leadership was shaped by experience, driven by a desire to improve student performance and create competitive schools. Ultimately, they believed that with collaboration, positivity, and a clear vision, everything will fall into place.