Educational Leadership Research

Abstract In recent years, Iran's higher education policies have lacked features such as defensible theoretical tradition, creative adaptation to global and international environmental developments, predictive capacity of actors' behavior, cohesion, integration, applicability, efficiency, effectiveness, ethical elements, Satisfactory conflict resolution, agreement production, favorable social impact. This situation has generally reduced the capacity of policy making in this area. On the other hand, policy research, as a research process focused on presenting policy solutions, can play a significant role in optimizing and enhancing the capacity of Iran's higher education policies. In this regard, the main purpose of the present study was causal explanation of capacity of Iranian higher education policies based on the synergy of policy research institutions. The present study has a mixed research method. In the qualitative phase, in the qualitative phase, by conducting semi-structured interviews with 15 Iranian higher education policy experts and applying the thematic analysis approach, a list of interactive and communicative factors influencing the efficiency and synergy of the policy research process in the Iranian higher education system was developed. According to the literature review, policy capacity was considered as the optimal policy in terms of rationality. The quantitative findings indicated 40% of variable capacity of Iran's higher education policies explained by the Synergistic variable of policy research institutions.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to design a model for the development of managerial skills of managers with Grounded Theory method .The research method is descriptive in terms of applied purpose and in terms of data collection method, which was done with a cross-sectional survey approach. The validity of the research was determined by the three-way method, and its reliability was determined by the method of agreement between the coders. MAXQDA ‌ content analysis and software were used to analyze the qualitative data. Finally, 3 dimensions, 13 components and 65 indicators were finalized. Findings of the study showed that the dimensions of managers' managerial skills included individual dimension (self-awareness, stress management, effective problem solving management), interpersonal dimension (constructive communication skills, effective motivation skills, impact skills, conflict management skills) and group dimension (skills delegation, team skills, leadership skills for positive change, application of technology, application of management requirements). Based on the obtained findings, the proposed model has a relatively "acceptable" fit, and has been confirmed.

Abstract The purpose of the present study is to examine the mediating role of master - student interaction and motivation in the relation of classroom climate with students’ academic achievement at the Semnan University. Regarding the purpose, the research methodology is practical and according to the method of data collection, it is considered as descriptive-correlation. The statistical community of the study consisted of all B.A and M.A, students of the Semnan University that 200 persons were selected by using cluster sampling method as the sample of the study (135 B.A students and 65 M.A students). All of them completed the scales of classroom climate, master - student interaction, motivation and students’ academic achievement. The validity and reliability of the scales were assessed with The Cronbach's alpha. The findings showed that there is a significant positive relationship between the students’ academic achievement with classroom climate, master - student interaction and motivation. The classroom climate has a direct and significant effect on students’ academic achievement; also classroom climate has an indirect and significant effect on students’ academic achievement with the mediation of master - student interaction. Classroom climate influences an indirect and significant effect with the mediation of motivation on students’ academic achievement. The findings of this present show the importance of paying attention to classroom openness climate, master - student interaction and motivation on Increasing students’ academic achievement.

Abstract Background and purpose: The purpose of the research is to prioritize the factors affecting the role of mental imagery of Allameh Tabatabai University in effective educational leadership.

Method: According to the purpose of the present research, it is an applied research and the research method is descriptive-survey. The statistical population of the research includes the experts of Allameh Tabatabai University in Tehran, and the random sampling method is a cluster, which was determined according to Cochran's formula and Morgan's table, and the sample size was 12 experts.

Findings: In order to identify the factors of mental imagery, the ANP approach has been used. According to the obtained weights, according to the opinion of the experts, reputation (weight 0.182) is more important than other factors, and among its components, serving the community is the most important (relative weight = 0.227, final weight = 0.041).In the end, education and research (weight 0.121) has the least importance, and among its components, relationship with industry has the most importance (relative weight = 0.199, final weight = 0.024)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify strategies for implementing lean management in education. A qualitative research approach was used. The research field included all professors of management and educational sciences of Iranian universities. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 experts to identify strategies for implementing lean management in education. To ensure the validity of the instrument during the research, the review of participating experts as well as the supervision of three non-participating professors was used. The participants' repeated review method was used to ensure the reliability of the data. In the open coding stage, 738 conceptual propositions were identified and by combining them, 20 pivotal codes were obtained. In the selective coding stage, six re-engineering codes in education economics, professional selection, motivation, effective measures, specific institutions and needs assessment as implementation strategies lean management was identified in education. Given the benefits of lean management in various dimensions, it is necessary to start by adopting effective guidelines for lean implementation in education.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between professional ethics of higher education professors with student loyalty and the brand equity of the university at the Institute of Electronic Education of Iranian in a quantitative manner. For this purpose, standard questionnaires of professional ethics of teaching including personality traits, content management, mastery of teaching methods, recognition of different dimensions of learner, standard appraisal and observance of laws and regulations, The customer loyalty questionnaire including the dimensions of cognitive, emotional, voluntary and practical loyalty and brand equity questionnaire including brand loyalty dimensions, perceived brand quality, brand association and brand awareness were used which were appropriate for the purpose of the research. The statistical population of the study consisted of all students of Institute of Electronic Education of Iranian, 119 of them were selected by Random and available sampling method and Levi and Lamshou sample volume formula. SPSS and Smart PLS software were used to analyze the data. For quantitative analysis of data, structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS) approach was used. The findings of this research indicate that the professional ethics of the professor on student loyalty, including cognitive, emotional, voluntary and practical loyalty, and the brand equity of the university, and all its components, including brand awareness and perceived brand quality, and Branding and brand loyalty are influential.

Abstract The current research was conducted with the aim of designing a teacher's competency model, using a qualitative approach. It was conducted within the framework of a qualitative methodology, employing the meta-synthesis method based on the seven-step approach of Sandelowski and Barroso (2007). The research focuses on all Persian and English studies published between 2000 and 2024 in the field of teacher competencies. To gather relevant articles, keywords related to the research aim were systematically searched, and the retrieved articles and documents were examined using a purposive sampling method based on predefined inclusion criteria. The selected studies were analyzed through a three-stage coding process (open, axial, and selective) using MaxQDA2020 software. The data analysis revealed 52 open codes, which were organized into three main categories and ten subcategories: individual competencies (including individual performance, self-efficacy, and communication skills), organizational competencies (including organizational innovation, positive organizational transformation, knowledge sharing, and organizational learning), and professional competencies (including educational, research, and digital competencies). Based on the findings, teacher competencies can be developed within educational organizations, encouraging teachers to foster creativity and innovation in their roles.

Abstract This study aimed to design and validate an empowerment program for elementary school teachers in integrated-inclusive education. A sequential exploratory mixed-method approach was employed. In the qualitative phase, document analysis and qualitative content analysis with a deductive approach using a conceptual matrix were conducted. Based on a review of the theoretical foundations and prior research on teacher empowerment programs in integrated-inclusive education, an initial matrix was developed. Then, semi-structured interviews with 25 experts in integrated-inclusive education and 33 relevant documents, selected through purposive sampling, were analyzed using deductive content analysis. After integrating the extracted codes from interviews and documents, an optimal teacher empowerment model was formulated, identifying key components such as objectives, educational content, teaching methods, and assessment strategies. In the quantitative phase, Fuzzy Delphi analysis was employed to assess the construct validity of the model using the average variance extracted (AVE), while Cronbach’s alpha was used to evaluate the reliability of the model’s latent variables. The results showed that AVE values exceeding 0.5 confirmed the model’s adequacy, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients above 0.7 indicated an acceptable level of reliability. Therefore, the proposed model can be effectively utilized in teacher empowerment programs for elementary school teachers in integrated-inclusive education, significantly contributing to the enhancement of program quality.

Abstract The present study aims to examine and analyze the concept and dimensions of the multi-purpose university as an emerging approach in higher education. This research is categorized as developmental in terms of its purpose and adopts a qualitative approach using thematic analysis for data collection. The study population consisted of faculty members and experts in higher education, educational management, psychology, and social sciences in Tehran in 2024. Using a purposive sampling method, 20 participants were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a three-stage coding process in MAXQDA software. The findings identified 478 basic themes, 52 organizing themes, and 9 overarching themes during the open coding phase. The extracted model comprises the following dimensions: multidimensional education, applied and innovative research, entrepreneurial development and industry collaboration, responsiveness to societal needs and environmental concerns, technology and digital transformation, internationalization and cultural diversity, Islamicization and ethical training, effective management and governance, and interdisciplinary skill development. Integrating these dimensions can transform universities from solely educational institutions into multi-purpose entities with significant societal and global impact. Higher education policymakers and administrators can leverage this approach to enhance universities' responsiveness to evolving societal demands and strengthen their role in advancing sustainable development.

Abstract The guidance and management of schools is the responsibility of managers who shape the educational path of students with their decisions and actions. This phenomenological research deals with the conceptualization of entrepreneurial leadership among educational managers in schools. The research field of Kurdistan province and potential participants were all the educational managers at the primary level in the city of Sanandaj, 18 of whom were purposefully (heterogenously) selected and invited to participate using a semi-structured interview protocol. Based on the data analysis, five main classes Recognized for experiencing and understanding entrepreneurial leadership. These classes include leadership and guidance (the ability of managers to guide groups towards goals and create motivation to achieve desired results), facilitating and strengthening cooperation (creating an encouraging environment for communication), creating support and support (providing the necessary resources and support). for groups in order to increase efficiency and reduce obstacles), setting strategic goals (the importance of setting long-term goals and using appropriate methods to achieve them) and strengthening creativity and innovation (creating an environment where creativity and innovation are considered as key factors in the success of the organization) take) is This hierarchical structure is formed under the influence of four components of consciousness: character, connection, destination and consequence. Each of these components helps develop and strengthen entrepreneurial leadership and enables managers to operate more effectively in dynamic and challenging environments. The findings of this research show the educational policy makers what entrepreneurial leadership is like from the point of view of principals in schools.

Abstract Since teachers’ procrastination and job burnout—especially in underprivileged regions—undermine their motivation and efficiency, and educational leadership can influence these two variables, the present study aimed to examine the predictive power of school principals’ leadership styles for procrastination and job burnout among secondary school teachers in Bashagard during the 2023–2024 academic year. This correlational study included a statistical population of 315 teachers, of whom 172 were selected as the sample through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Tuckman Procrastination Questionnaire (1991), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (1997), and a researcher-developed questionnaire to assess leadership styles. Considering the non-normal distribution of variables, Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression analysis were applied. The results showed that principals’ leadership style has a negative relationship with both procrastination and job burnout, with coefficients of 0.35 and 0.63, respectively, while a positive relationship with a coefficient of 0.29 was observed between procrastination and job burnout. Regression analysis indicated that leadership styles significantly predict the changes related to procrastination and job burnout, with coefficients of 0.27 and 0.44, respectively, and the predictive power of leadership style for job burnout was stronger than for procrastination. Therefore, effective leadership styles can help reduce teachers’ procrastination and job burnout, thereby improving their educational performance and psychological well-being, particularly in disadvantaged regions such as Bashagard.

Abstract The present study aimed to design and validate a resilience model for elementary schools. This research utilized an exploratory mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). The qualitative sample consisted of 17 academic experts and exemplary teachers and principals from West Azerbaijan province, selected through purposive sampling based on theoretical saturation. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included all elementary school teachers in Urmia during the 2024-2025 academic year, with 346 participants selected through stratified random sampling using Cochran's formula. Data collection instruments included semi-structured interviews in the qualitative phase and a researcher-made questionnaire in the quantitative phase. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis in MAXQDA2020, while quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS26 and Smart-PLS3. Qualitative findings revealed that the resilience model for elementary schools comprises eight overarching themes: infrastructural factors, structural factors, managerial factors, cultural factors, pedagogical factors, teacher agency, student resilience, and stakeholder support. Quantitative results demonstrated that all observed variables had acceptable factor loadings on their respective latent variables and were significant at the 0.01 level. The Goodness of Fit (GOF) index value of 0.622 indicated a favorable fit for the overall research model. The designed model can effectively enhance the quality and resilience of the educational system.