The Effect of Ethical Leadership at Work on School Head Transparency & Trust in Governance in Public Elementary Schools

Abstract

The utmost objective of this study was to focus on the effect of ethical leadership at work on school head transparency and trust in governance in public elementary schools in the district of San Francisco, Schools Division of San Pablo City. The study employed the descriptive and correlational method of research in analyzing the mediating effect of ethical leadership at work to school head transparency and trust in governance. To produce credible results, the study's researcher respondents were one hundred and three (103) which is the sample size of the teachers who are currently associated with the four (4) public elementary school teachers of San Francisco District. This study employed random sampling technique in choosing the required number of respondents. The researcher utilized the researcher-adapted online survey questionnaire as the main instrument in gathering the data and information about the effect of ethical leadership at work on school head transparency and trust in governance in public elementary school. The specified formula was used to apply statistical treatment such as mean, T-test and Pearson-r after the data have been gathered. The aim was to assess the teachers’ perception on school head transparency in terms of Practice, Evaluation, Information, and Finance, the effect of ethical leadership at work in terms of Envisioning, Empowerment, and Managing Ethics, and teachers’ perception on trust in governance in terms of Accountability, Responsibility, Autonomy, and Fairness. Pearson’s r was used to determine the significant relationship between the school head’s transparency and the ethical leadership at work and its impact on trust in governance. Mediation Analysis was used as well in the study. It is revealed in the study that ethical leadership at work significantly mediates the relationship between the principal transparency and the trust in governance. Therefore, the hypothesis is not sustained. The hypothesis being posited is not supported, therefore, ethical leadership at work significantly mediate the relationship between the principal transparency and the trust in governance. Foster a culture of shared governance in which all stakeholders participate in decision-making processes. Encourage collaboration, involvement, and inclusion in decision-making bodies like school councils and parent-teacher organizations. By integrating stakeholders in the governance process, school leaders may foster trust and demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership principles that promote the common benefit of the school community. It is recommended that school heads may establish ethics committees or monitoring groups made up of stakeholders from the school community, such as teachers, parents, and students. These committees can give oversight and direction on ethical problems, assess governance procedures, and make recommendations for reform. Their presence can increase transparency and confidence by ensuring that ethical standards are followed, and problems are handled openly.