Perceived educational values of Omani school principals

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the perceived educational values of Omani school principals. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form which focused on the core values of school administration as perceived by a sample of 44 school principals; a focus group interview was also held. Data were analysed using Nvivo software. The study results classified the perceived values of Omani school principals into three categories of values based on Hodgkinson’s classification. The most coded values of the principals were cooperation, devotion/genuineness (organizational loyalty, eagerness to learn), respect (self, other, mutual), commitment, responsibility and citizenship, all of which fell into the category of consensus and consequences. A citrus model is proposed to give a visual image of the composition of the three categories of values in school administration. While this study identified a number of educational values, the process by which school principals can activate these values in daily school practices still needs to be clarified.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Wajeha Thabit Al-Ani

Wajeha T. Al-Ani is an associate professor at the College of Education in Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoudh, Muscat 123, Oman. Email: [email protected]. Her research interests are in educational philosophy and foundation and educational trends. She has many publications on values and education including an Arabic book on the topic. Email: [email protected].

Aisha Salim Al-Harthi

Aisha S. Al-Harthi is an assistant professor at the College of Education in Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoudh, Muscat 123, Oman. Email: [email protected]. Her research interests are in distance education, cultural differences, and vocational secondary education.