Examining the perceptions of cognitive flexibility and organizational innovation of school principles according to different

The aim of this research is to examine the effect of cognitive flexibility levels of administrators working in educational institutions on their perceptions of organizational innovation. The research was conducted using the descriptive scanning model, one of the quantitative research methods. Data obtained from a total of 578 school administrators working in Beylikdüzü and Esenyurt districts of Istanbul province in the 2024-2025 academic year were collected via Google Form using the Cognitive Flexibility Scale and Organizational Innovation Scale. T-test, ANOVA and descriptive statistics techniques were used in the analysis of the data. According to the findings, the cognitive flexibility levels of administrators are generally high and show significant differences according to variables such as age, school type and management position. It was determined that administrators, especially in the younger age group, have more flexible thinking skills. In terms of organizational innovation, it was determined that female administrators evaluated the processes more positively and the innovativeness level of department heads was higher. It was concluded that professional seniority did not have a significant effect on these variables. As the cognitive flexibility levels of managers working in educational institutions increase, it is observed that their perception of organizational innovation increases significantly. As a result of the research, it is recommended that in-service trainings be planned for managers on topics such as flexible thinking, alternative solution development and change management in order to increase innovation in educational institutions. In addition, the dissemination of a leadership approach based on cognitive flexibility in organizational culture will also be an important strategy to support the innovation environment.