Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Education

Advisor

Leslie Van Gelder

Abstract

Limited research exists about leadership styles and influences of elementary private school principals in Dubai, who identify as transformational leaders. Insights from this study can inform further research into school leadership in the Arab world, as well as how best to share leadership experiences among elementary private school principals Dubai. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the lived experiences of self-reported transformational leaders in elementary private schools in Dubai. The conceptual framework for this research was transformational leadership. The research question addressed in this study is: How do elementary private school principals in Dubai describe their lived experiences as self-reported transformational leaders. Semi structured interviews were used as the data collection method for this phenomenological research. Twelve self-reported transformational school principals, who met the inclusion criteria of a minimum of 2 years as elementary school principal in Dubai, participated in the study. Following a five-step analysis strategy, 4 key themes (teamwork, empathy, community, and versatility) and 15 codes emerged. The participants shared how engaging in transformational leadership approaches impacts teamwork among stakeholders, allows them to demonstrate empathy towards others, promotes a sense of community within the school, and encourages versatility for the school leaders. The results of the current study can be used to affect positive social change within the elementary private school leadership community by inspiring the creation of platforms within the elementary private school community in Dubai, for principals to share their experiences candidly, and build on best practices.

Download

Share

 
COinS