LEADERSHIP OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION ADMINISTRATORS PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN MUEANG DISTRICT, CHUMPHON PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the leadership of school administrators in private schools, 2) compare the leadership of school administrators from the perspective of teachers, classified by gender, and 3) investigate the management methods and approaches of school administrators in private schools in Mueang District, Chumphon Province. This study employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The sample group consists of teachers from five private schools in Mueang District, Chumphon Province, totaling 202 teachers. The research instruments include questionnaires and interviews. Group discussions were conducted with five school administrators and five academic department heads, totaling ten participants, to explore the management approaches of private school administrators. Statistical analysis involved frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, with results presented descriptively.

The findings revealed that the overall leadership level of school administrators was rated as high (μ = 4.15, σ = 0.47). When considering individual aspects, ranked from highest to lowest, these were: 1) Personal authority (μ = 4.21, σ = 0.52), 2) Continuous situational assessment (μ = 4.17, σ = 0.57), 3) Confident communication (μ = 4.16, σ = 0.57), 4) Use of information technology (μ = 4.13, σ = 0.55), 5) Willingness to take risks (μ = 4.12, σ = 0.43), and 6) Vision, goal, and mission setting (μ = 4.08, σ = 0.44), respectively.

Regarding the comparison of leadership by gender, male administrators had a higher average score than female administrators. In managing private schools, administrators should focus on the following areas: 1) Ideology: Administrators should develop transformational leadership by clearly demonstrating a vision and fostering teachers' confidence in their work. 2) Motivation: Administrators should consistently encourage teachers and provide guidance and support in their tasks. 3) Work processes: Administrators should propose strategies that help teachers work systematically and encourage creative thinking. Suggestions for future research: In terms of setting vision, goals, and missions, administrators should define school objectives that align with a clear vision to ensure effective management with a clear direction and measurable outcomes.