THE ARAB WOMAN AS A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND A LEADER: HOW DO ARAB FEMALE STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS PERCEIVE THE MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP STYLES OF ARAB FEMALE PRINCIPALS IN ISRAEL?

Sabrin Titi Nama

Abstract


This study examines the perceptions of Arab female students in higher education institutions regarding the management and leadership styles of Arab female school principals in Israel. Informed by the intersection of gender, culture, and institutional context in the field of school leadership, it analyzes the styles of Arab female principal leaders, their impact on students' academic and personal development, and their influence in the promotion of gender equity. Using qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews and focus groups, 40 Arab female students were consulted. The study also found that Arab female principals tended to adopt hybrid leadership styles to manage their leadership role within the patriarchal context of the Arab sector in Israel. The students described their principals as role models of influential leaders responding to cultural expectations by providing empowerment while remaining mindful of cultural expectations. The study concluded that Arab female principals have the potential to be leaders of change and offer their students as future leaders, despite the considerable structure and social barriers placed on them. Recommendations include culturally responsive leadership training, structural change in educational institutions, and mentor programs to support women developing careers in educational leadership. Theoretically, the study contributes to the debate of gendered leadership in contexts of conservatism, and practically, advocates for the development of educational spaces where all students are given the opportunity to flourish and develop as leaders.

 

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Keywords


Arab female principals, educational leadership, gendered leadership, Arab society in Israel, higher education, student perceptions, hybrid leadership style, gender equality, women in leadership

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejmms.v10i2.2084

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