Examining the effects of democratic attitudes and behaviors of school administrators on the self-leadership of physical education and sports teachers

This research aims to examine the effects of democratic attitudes and behaviors exhibited by school administrators on the self-leadership skills of physical education and sports teachers. The democratic leadership approach in educational institutions stands out as a management style that supports teachers' professional development and encourages participation and cooperation. In this context, the relationship between democratic attitudes and teachers' self-leadership strategies is considered important in terms of both individual performance and institutional success. The relational screening model was used in the research, and data were collected through the "Democratic Attitude Scale" and the "Self-Leadership Scale," in addition to a personal information form. The study was conducted with the participation of 316 physical education and sports teachers. Findings revealed a significant and positive relationship between democratic attitudes and self-leadership. Notably, teachers with postgraduate education demonstrated higher self-leadership skills, suggesting that education level influences leadership behavior. On the other hand, demographic variables such as age, professional seniority, and aspirations for future managerial roles did not result in significant differences. The research findings highlight that a democratic leadership approach plays a crucial role in developing teachers' motivation, participation, and individual leadership skills. Therefore, the adoption of leadership styles that promote democratic attitudes and behaviors by educational administrators enhances both teachers' professional success and their effectiveness in the educational environment. This study contributes to the development of an effective and participatory management approach in education by offering suggestions that support democratic leadership practices in the field of educational administration.