The Relationship Between Ethical Leadership and Strategic Planning Practices of School Heads in Public Elementary Schools in the Schools Division of Masbate Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.664Keywords:
Ethical Leadership, Fairness and Justice, Integrity and Transparency, Role Modeling, School Heads, Strategic Planning PracticesAbstract
This study examined the relationship between ethical leadership and strategic planning practices of school heads in public elementary schools in the Schools Division of Masbate Province. Anchored on Ethical Leadership Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Strategic Leadership Theory, the study investigated the level of ethical leadership in terms of fairness and justice, integrity and transparency, and role modeling, as well as the level of strategic planning practices in terms of vision, mission and core values, school planning and implementation, policy implementation and review, research and innovation, program design and implementation, learner voice, and monitoring and evaluation. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed. The respondents were 24 public elementary school heads from the District of San Fernando, Masbate Province, selected through cluster sampling and total enumeration. Data were gathered using a researcher-adapted and validated survey questionnaire and analyzed using weighted mean and Pearson Product–Moment Correlation Coefficient (Pearson r). The findings revealed that school heads demonstrated a high level of ethical leadership, with integrity and transparency obtaining a very high rating. Strategic planning practices were likewise rated high across all dimensions, while monitoring and evaluation obtained a very high level. The study further established a significant and strong positive relationship between ethical leadership and strategic planning practices, indicating that higher levels of ethical leadership are associated with stronger strategic planning practices. The results suggest that ethical leadership contributes to effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and decision-making processes in schools. The study concludes that strengthening ethical leadership competencies can enhance strategic planning effectiveness and support continuous school improvement. It recommends sustaining ethical leadership practices, strengthening collaborative decision-making, promoting stakeholder participation, and providing leadership development opportunities for school heads. This study supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by promoting effective school leadership and improved educational management. It also aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions through its emphasis on ethical governance, accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation. The study contributes to educational and institutional sustainability by providing evidence that may strengthen leadership development, strategic planning processes, and continuous school improvement in public elementary schools.
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