Voices from the Halls: Master Teachers’ Perspectives on the Ethical Leadership Practices of School Heads

This qualitative study explores how master teachers perceive the ethical leadership practices of school heads. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the research uncovers four central themes shaping ethical leadership in educational institutions: Clear and Proactive Communication, Authentic Participative Practices, Transparent and Trusted Practices, and Genuine Compassion. These elements emphasize the importance of consistent communication, inclusive decision-making, accountable leadership, and empathetic relationships in building a positive school culture. The study involved translating and coding interview transcripts using QDA Miner Lite software, ensuring a reliable and culturally sensitive analysis. The findings underscore the necessity of ethical leadership in cultivating trust, fairness, and responsibility within school communities. Ultimately, the research advocates institutionalizing a Care Ethics Program to further develop and sustain these leadership values in schools. This work contributes to ongoing efforts in promoting ethical leadership frameworks responsive to the real-world experiences of educators.