Uplifting leadership in educational instutitions: Factors, indicators and effects

The aim of this study is to understand the effects of uplifting factors, uplifting leadership indicators and uplifting leadership in educational institutions, and to determine the relationship between the effects of uplifting factors, uplifting leadership indicators, and uplifting leadership. The study has been designed in an exploratory mixed method model in which quantitative and qualitative patterns are used together. The sample group of the study, in the qualitative dimension, which was carried out in the pattern of phenomenology consists of a total of 24 individuals, 12 managers and 12 teachers selected by snowball or chain sampling. Qualitative data were obtained by semi-structured individual interview form. In the quantitative dimension of the study, relational (correlational) and causal comparison type screening models were used. Sample selection for quantitative study were carried in two stages. In the first stage, by using layered sampling out of random sampling methods the number of samples required for each of the central districts was determined according to the proportions of teachers and managers in the universe. It was envisaged that 376 individuals could represent a universe consisting of 16,969 source people with a sampling error margin of 5 percent. However, with the thought that there might be data loss, the number of samples was kept more than the determined number and data was obtained from 612 individuals. In the second stage, by using simple random sampling method from each province the teachers and managers were taken into the sample group at a proportion to represent the universe. The quantitative data were collected by the means of "Uplifting Factors Scale (UFS)", "Uplifting Leadership Indicators Scale (ULIS)" and "Uplifting Leadership Effects Scale (ULES)", which were developed by the researcher, as a result of EFA and CFA applications, based on literature review and qualitative findings of the study. In the analysis of qualitative data, descriptive analysis and content analysis were used together. In the analysis of quantitative data, for the variables of gender, task, school type t-test; and for the variables of education status, duration of working as a teacher, duration of working as a manager and school quality ANOVA was carried out. In order to determine the relationship between the effects of uplifting factors, uplifting leadership indicators, and uplifting leadership correlation analysis and as for the model search concerning the variables hierarchical multicollinear regression analysis out of multiple linear regression analysis technique was carried out based on the standard approach. According to the qualitative results of the study, managers have an important role in uplifting or sustaining the present dynamics of educational institutions. Managers can create and help sustain a revival in their schools by supporting teachers, encouraging new ideas, creating a trusting environment, improving co-operation among stakeholders, reducing bureaucratic procedures. Both teachers and managers expect the achievements to be appreciated and feel the uplifting effect of the rewards they think they deserve. The managers and teachers are happy, excited and eager in an environment with uplifting conditions. The situations that touch the soul of the person and make him feel valued increase the vitality. It is thought that the cooperation with the rivals will help enhance the quality, benefit from the experiences of the rivals, achieve success, produce new ideas and create mutual vitality. It has been found that successful managers, close colleagues, and most importantly students have important uplifting factors. According to the quantitative results of the study, there are significant correlations in a positive way between the variables of the uplifting factors, uplifting leadership indicators and uplifting leadership effects. While significant differences were found in favor of private schools in all comparisons made concerning the school type, the results varied in other demographic variables. It was concluded through regression analysis that, independent variables significantly predicted the dependent variable in a number of dimensions.