Investigation of school administrators' views on the role of ethical leadership in decision making process and management schools

The purpose of this study is to examine the views of school administrators regarding the role of ethical leadership in the decision making process and management practices. In this regard, it is aimed to reveal what the concepts of ethics and morality mean to school administrators, how the ethical leadership is perceived, what is taken into consideration in decision making processes, and the role of ethical leadership in school management. In this research case study design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The study group of the research consists of school administrators working in primary schools, secondary schools and high schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the central district of Bingöl province. Since the research was conducted as a face to face interview using a semi-structured interview form, it was limited to 25 school administrators and the 2022-2023 academic year. The data obtained was examined with the basic data analysis method in line with the research questions, and the findings were detected and interpreted. The findings are grouped under three categories the meaning of the concepts of ethics and morality, the definition of ethical leadership and decision making and related subcategories. Research results show that the concepts of ethics and morality have different meanings for each individual. In this context these two concepts are mainly defined as universal-local values and right-wrong criteria. In terms of defining ethical leadership, the findings show that leadership is defined as acting in line with ethical and moral values, acting in line with right and wrong, and leading in line with the values in the environment. Evaluated in the context of school, ethical leadership is defined as leadership appropriate to the nature of the education and training profession. Participants emphasized that education is of great importance for the country and society and brings great responsibility. Participants also stated that this responsibility has a moral dimension and evaluated ethical leadership in this context. In this context, ethical leadership in schools is leadership displayed in line with the values of good and right. At the decision-making aspect, the research results show that the ethical leader considers justice and the benefit of those around him while making decisions in the school environment, and takes into account the unique aspects of the education profession and the school environment. In this context, the ethical leader make decisions by taking into consideration the interests of the students, with the aim of ensuring that they receive a good education and that they are educated in a way that will be beneficial for both themselves, the environment, society and the country. Based on the findings, suggestions are made for conducting research involving larger study groups with more participants to examine student success in schools where ethical leadership is demonstrated and where ethical leadership is not demonstrated, and the impact of ethical leadership on school administration and decision-making processes. In terms of implementation, suggestions are presented to include ethics and leadership issues in training for school administrators and to reorganize school administrations in a way that embraces and displays ethical and moral values.