Designing a Professional Development Model for Elementary School Principals Based on an Entrepreneurial Attitude
Keywords:
Content analysis, entrepreneurial attitude, Professional developmentAbstract
This study aimed to design and validate a professional development model for elementary school principals based on an entrepreneurial attitude. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was employed. In the qualitative phase, 12 experts in educational management and entrepreneurship in Tehran were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed using semi-structured protocols. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis using MaxQDA2020. In the quantitative phase, 320 principals were selected from a population of 1,913 through stratified random sampling. A researcher-developed questionnaire was administered. Convergent and discriminant validity, composite reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha were examined. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS23 and SmartPLS3 with structural equation modeling. Qualitative analysis yielded 6 main dimensions, 27 subcategories, and 130 themes. Structural model results showed significant effects for all dimensions: organizational leadership and management (β=0.791), personal and professional development (β=0.717), learning and instructional management (β=0.850), innovation and strategic management (β=0.854), entrepreneurial attitude (β=0.814), and sustainability and social interactions (β=0.824). Overall model fit was strong (GOF=0.582). The proposed model demonstrates high validity and practical utility and provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing professional development of elementary school principals within the educational system.
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References
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