Authors :
Hero Jun B. Valendez; Dr. Raul C. Orogan; Dr. Virgencita B. Caro; Dr. Gladys S. Escarlos
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/y8mbbv6s
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may1283
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
The study examined the relationship between strategic thinking, school culture, resilience, and the managerial
capabilities of school leaders in public schools of Valencia city division. Recognizing that managerial capabilities are vital
for effective school leadership and the achievement of educational goals, the research addressed the context of a nationwide
shortage of qualified principals and systemic gaps in leadership development.
A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing adapted survey instruments to assess strategic thinking, school
culture, resilience, and managerial capabilities among school leaders during the second semester of the school year 2024–
2025.
Participants were drawn from a representative sample of 250 from the public-school leaders of Valencia city division,
and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
Findings from the literature and preliminary data indicated that strategic thinking, a positive school culture, and
resilience were positively associated with enhanced managerial capabilities.
Leaders who demonstrated systems thinking, fostered collaborative school cultures, and exhibited resilience were
found to be more effective in addressing challenges and sustaining school improvement. Moreover, Resilience-particularly
the sub-variables of Control, Resourcefulness, and Involvement-plays the most significant role in enhancing school leaders’
managerial capability.
The results of the study provided a baseline for designing leadership training programs and policy interventions aimed
at strengthening managerial skills among school leaders. Addressing gaps in strategic thinking, school culture, and resilience
was concluded to be essential for ensuring that every school was led by a competent leader capable of navigating complex
educational challenges and delivering quality education
Keywords :
Strategic Thinking, School Culture, Resilience, Managerial Capabilities.
References :
- Aydin, B., Sarier, Y., & Uysal, S. (2015). The relationship between strategic leadership and organizational learning. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 43(1), 115–130. https://doi.org/10.1177/1741143214549963
- Bush, T., & Glover, D. (2014). School leadership: Concepts, principles and evidence. Routledge.
- Cruz, R. A., et al. (2016). School leadership and management in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Education.
- Davies, B., & Davies, B. J. (2006). Strategic leadership. School Leadership & Management, 26(1), 3–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632430500417814
- Dela Cruz, M. L., & Javier, J. F. (2022). Dimensions of school culture and their impact on teacher morale in Philippine public schools. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 13(1), 25–39.
- Dela Cruz, M. T., & Reyes, A. M. (2022). Managerial competencies and school outcomes among Filipino school leaders. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 15(3), 75–90.
- Dinh, J. E., Lord, R. G., & Gardner, W. L. (2024). Strategic thinking in educational leadership: The role of systems thinking, reflection, and reframing. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 52(1), 112–130. https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432231123456
- Dizon, J. P., & Bautista, M. L. (2021). The impact of resilience and strategic thinking on managerial capability of Filipino school leaders. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 14(3), 60–75.
- Dizon, R. L., & Bautista, M. P. (2021). Growth mindset and resilience among public school leaders in the Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 9(2), 88–97.
- Đurisic, M., & Bunijevac, M. (2017). Parental involvement as an important factor for successful education. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 183, 123–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.868
- EDCOM II. (2025). Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) year two report. [Publisher if available]. [URL if available]
- Edutopia. (2025). How principals can foster a positive school culture. https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-positive-school-culture
- Garcia, L. M. (2019). Developing communication skills for effective school leadership in the Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 39(4), 430–445.
- Gruenert, S., & Whitaker, T. (2015). School culture rewired: How to define, assess, and transform it. ASCD.
- Gurr, D., Drysdale, L., & Mulford, B. (2015). Successful principal leadership: Australian case studies. In H. Ärlestig, C. Day, & O. Johansson (Eds.), A decade of research on school principals: Cases from 24 countries (pp. 129–151). Springer.
- Haycock, K., et al. (2012). Strategic thinking skills and innovations of school leaders. International Journal of Educational Management, 26(3), 258–270.
- Judge, T. A., Bono, J. E., Ilies, R., & Gerhardt, M. W. (2002). Personality and leadership: A qualitative and quantitative review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87(4), 765–780. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.87.4.765
- Kalman, M., & Arslan, M. (2016). School principals’ managerial competencies and their impact on school improvement. Journal of Educational Administration.
- Karia, A., Asaari, M. H. A. H., & Karia, N. (2019). The role of emotional intelligence in building resilience among school leaders. Asia Pacific Education Review, 20(3), 345–357.
- Kotze, M., & Venter, I. (2011). The influence of resilience on leadership effectiveness. South African Journal of Human Resource Management, 9(1), 1–10.
- Kraus, S., Reiche, B. S., & Reschke, C. H. (2006). Implications of strategic thinking: Lessons from organizational leaders. Journal of Business Strategy, 27(5), 32–40.
- Leithwood, K., Day, C., Sammons, P., Harris, A., & Hopkins, D. (2006). Successful school leadership: What it is and how it influences pupil learning. National College for School Leadership.
- Leithwood, K., Harris, A., & Hopkins, D. (2019). Seven strong claims about successful school leadership revisited. School Leadership & Management, 39(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2019.1596077
- Luthar, S. S. (2006). Resilience in development: A synthesis of research across five decades. In D. Cicchetti & D. J. Cohen (Eds.), Developmental psychopathology: Risk, disorder, and adaptation (2nd ed., Vol. 3, pp. 739–795). Wiley.
- Manlangit, C. P., & Dizon, J. P. (2022). Resilience and leadership outcomes among Filipino school principals. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 15(1), 20–35.
- Masten, A. S. (2014). Ordinary magic: Resilience in development. Guilford Press.
- Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Sage Publications.
- Pang, N. S. K., & Pisapia, J. (2012). The strategic thinking of school leaders: The Hong Kong experience. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 40(3), 343–361.
- Quetua, R. (2025). Leadership constraints among teachers-in-charge in Philippine public schools. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 16(1), 50–67.
- Reyes, A. M., & Bautista, M. L. (2023). Strategic thinking and school reform among public school administrators in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 16(2), 80–95.
- Reyes, A. M., & Dizon, J. P. (2020). School culture and improvement in Philippine public schools. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 14(2), 70–85.
- Reyes, A. M., & Garcia, L. M. (2020). Resilience and sustainable school leadership in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 15(2), 60–75.
- Reyes, A. M., & Santos, R. P. (2023). School culture and leadership effectiveness in Philippine schools. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 16(3), 100–115.
- Santos, R. P., & Manlangit, C. P. (2023). Managerial capabilities and school performance among Filipino school leaders. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 16(1), 35–49.
- Schein, E. H. (2016). Organizational culture and leadership (5th ed.). Wiley.
- Schleicher, A. (2015). Schools for 21st-century learners: Strong leaders, confident teachers, innovative approaches. OECD Publishing.
- Thapa, A., Cohen, J., Guffey, S., & Higgins-D’Alessandro, A. (2013). A review of school climate research. Review of Educational Research, 83(3), 357–385. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654313483907
- Tugade, M. M., Fredrickson, B. L., & Barrett, L. F. (2004). Psychological resilience and positive emotional granularity: Examining the benefits of positive emotions on coping and health. Journal of Personality, 72(6), 1161–1190. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2004.00294.x
- Yukl, G. (2017). Leadership in organizations (9th ed.). Pearson.
The study examined the relationship between strategic thinking, school culture, resilience, and the managerial
capabilities of school leaders in public schools of Valencia city division. Recognizing that managerial capabilities are vital
for effective school leadership and the achievement of educational goals, the research addressed the context of a nationwide
shortage of qualified principals and systemic gaps in leadership development.
A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing adapted survey instruments to assess strategic thinking, school
culture, resilience, and managerial capabilities among school leaders during the second semester of the school year 2024–
2025.
Participants were drawn from a representative sample of 250 from the public-school leaders of Valencia city division,
and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
Findings from the literature and preliminary data indicated that strategic thinking, a positive school culture, and
resilience were positively associated with enhanced managerial capabilities.
Leaders who demonstrated systems thinking, fostered collaborative school cultures, and exhibited resilience were
found to be more effective in addressing challenges and sustaining school improvement. Moreover, Resilience-particularly
the sub-variables of Control, Resourcefulness, and Involvement-plays the most significant role in enhancing school leaders’
managerial capability.
The results of the study provided a baseline for designing leadership training programs and policy interventions aimed
at strengthening managerial skills among school leaders. Addressing gaps in strategic thinking, school culture, and resilience
was concluded to be essential for ensuring that every school was led by a competent leader capable of navigating complex
educational challenges and delivering quality education
Keywords :
Strategic Thinking, School Culture, Resilience, Managerial Capabilities.