Trailblazing School Leadership: A Study on Strategic Management Approaches in Sarangani’s Private Education Sector

Trailblazing leadership plays a vital role in addressing the evolving demands of educational management, particularly in private schools. However, limited studies have explored trailblazing leadership and strategic management among school principals in Sarangani Province. This study examined the level of trailblazing leadership and strategic management approaches, as well as their differences and implications. Using a quantitative descriptive-comparative and correlational design, data were collected through a validated survey from 19 principals and 81 teachers across the seven municipalities of Sarangani Province. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, independent-samples t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient (r).
The findings showed that respondents exhibited a very high level of trailblazing leadership and strategic management approaches. Collaboration ranked highest among trailblazing leadership dimensions, while planning received the highest rating in strategic management. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between trailblazing leadership and strategic management approaches. However, significant differences were found between sectarian and non-sectarian schools, with sectarian schools obtaining higher mean scores in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
The study concludes that private school administrators demonstrate strong trailblazing leadership and strategic management practices. However, trailblazing leadership alone does not significantly influence strategic management effectiveness. The significant differences between sectarian and non-sectarian schools suggest that school type may be associated with differences in the implementation of strategic management practices. The study recommends strengthening administrators' adaptability and monitoring practices, improving strategic management systems, and conducting further research on other factors that may influence strategic management effectiveness in private schools.

trailblazing leadership, strategic management approaches, private school administrators

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