School Heads’ Leadership Competence in the New Normal
Melborn E. Bacalso
Busay Elementary School/STIWNU/DepEd-Guihulngan,
Negros Oriental
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56738/issn29603986.geo2024.5.47
Abstract
Effective leadership in the new normal requires a combination of adaptability, strategic thinking, communication skills, technological competence, empathy, and crisis management abilities. It is along this line that this study determined the school Heads’ Leadership Competence in the New Normal at one of the Divisions of Negros Oriental during the SY 2021-2022 as Basis for a Capacity Building Plan. The significant variables cover leading people, people performance management, and people development. Data for this descriptive study was collected from 65 respondents using a self-made survey questionnaire that passed the rigorous validity and reliability test. Data gathered showed that school heads’ level of competence in all areas of leading people, people performance management, and people development was very high. Further analysis showed that being younger or older does not affect the level of leadership competence of the school heads in all areas. The comparative analyses examining the relationship between age and combined family income with school heads’ leadership competence in all areas yielded exciting results. Specifically, the analysis revealed that age significantly influenced school heads’ competence in leading people, whereas combined family income did not exhibit a significant association with any of the leadership competencies. This paper calls the respondents—school heads—to enroll in advanced courses in educational management. Additionally, they closely monitor and incorporate identified issues related to leading people consistent with the school’s vision and mission into their development plans. As for people performance management, teachers should be encouraged to pursue advanced degrees by involving them in activities that will enhance their professional development, such as providing them with intense technical help and training to increase their potential. Finally, monitoring the application of the four RPMS cycles is essential in people’s development.
Keywords: Leadership competence, school heads, new normal, Negros Oriental, Philippines.
Bio-profile: Melborn E. Bacalso is a School Head of Busay Elementary School, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. He holds a degree of Master of Arts in Education Major in Administration and Supervision. His research interest is in educational leadership and management.
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