Behaviors and characteristics of principals as an ethical leader based on high school teacher opinions (The case of Eski̇şehi̇r)

Ethical problems have been increasing in social structures in the recent times. Researchers have taken into behaviors and characteristics of leaders in organizations considerations in order to deal with these problems. The general objective of the study is how a principal as an ethical leader should be based on the views of high school teachers worked at public high schools in Odunpazarı and Tepebaşı districts in Eskişehir in 2012-2013. According to the general objective, the study aims to determine behaviors, characteristics and source of values of a principal as an ethical leader The study was prepared based on qualitative research method. Case study method was used in the study. Data were collected via semi-structured interview technique. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze data. The study population is teachers worked at public high schools in Odunpazarı and Tepebaşı districts in Eskişehir in 2012-2013. The numbers of teachers worked at public high schools in Odunpazarı and Tepebaşı districts in Eskişehir in 2012-2013 was 2452. The working group was 33 teachers worked at public high schools in Odunpazarı and Tepebaşı districts in Eskişehir in 2012-2013. The working group was determined by using maximum variation sampling method. Within the data collection process, an interview form named 'Ethical Leadership Behaviors and Features of a Principals ' was prepared and used by the researcher. The form includes demographic features and open-ended interview questions concerning ethical leaders' behaviors, characteristics for school management and principals' source of values. The interview form is comprised of 11 open-ended questions improved by the researcher based on literature and related studies. Questions were sent to check to experts. After getting feedbacks from the experts, necessary revisions were made. Then 3 interviews were carried out as a pilot study to test the interview form for internal validity of the study. 4 steps were followed based on descriptive analysis to analyze data. Interviews were transcribed, coding keys were prepared and coded, codes were matched, themes were identified, and reliability was checked. Reliability was found by formula which is reliability= unity of view/unity of view + separation of view. According to calculation, reliability was found to be 0,87. Studies on ethical leadership for principals of Ertürk (2012), Toksoy (2011), Aktoy (2010), Aydın (2010), Kılınç (2010), Yıldırım (2010), İskele (2009), Özdemir (2009), Şimşek ve Altınkurt (2009), Karaköse (2008), Gültekin (2008), Erdoğan (2007) ve Küçükkaraduman (2006), Turhan (2007) and Moorhouse (2002) were used for discussions. According to the first objective of the study, which is about 'characteristics of principals as an ethical leader'; results are management skills, affection to people and power and humanity. The second objective of the study is concerning about 'behaviors of principals as an ethical leader'. For the second objective, results are (a) school management, (b) human relationships, (c) protection of individuals' rights and (d) establishing ethical culture in school. For (a) school management; behaviors are management apprehension, decision-making in management, transparency in management, accountability in management, management processes, rules and regulations, synergy in school, problems-requirements-success of school and requirements-success of students. For (b) human relationships; behaviors communication skills and human relationships. For (c) protection of individuals' rights, behaviors are protection of individuals' social and legal rights, being fair and avoiding from discrimination. For (d) establishing ethical culture in school; views are being role model, school management based on ethic rules, organizing seminars concerning about ethical values. Concerning the third objective of the study, which is 'principals' source of values as an ethical leader', views are religion, character, society and its rules, universal values. Ethical codes should be used as a criterion for improvement of principal and principal selection. Principals and teachers should internalize ethical values and codes with organized activities at the schools, district and ministry.