School leadership development in Saudi Arabia: policy-makers’ and participants’ perspectives

Alziyadi, Zayed (2025) School leadership development in Saudi Arabia: policy-makers’ and participants’ perspectives. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

[thumbnail of Final submission after corrections]
Preview
PDF (Final submission after corrections) (Thesis - as examined) - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
Available under Licence All Rights Reserved.
Download (2MB) | Preview
[thumbnail of Response to examiners for viva corrections (Modifications Guide)]
Preview
PDF (Response to examiners for viva corrections (Modifications Guide)) (Thesis - as examined) - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
Available under Licence Creative Commons Attribution.
Download (112kB) | Preview

Abstract

This thesis examines school leadership development in Najran, Saudi Arabia by conducting 35 interviews with principals, junior teachers, senior teachers and policy-makers. The study reveals mixed perceptions regarding the effectiveness of leadership development programmes conducted by the Ministry of Education. Policymakers claim that the Ministry is actively working on initiatives to enhance leadership capabilities through developing soft skills and fostering collaboration. Exchange programmes are utilised to facilitate collaboration and networking among teachers, although many of these events are perceived to lack a validated methodology for promoting leadership skills. The Tatweer programme offers some leadership development opportunities, but participation varies significantly across schools. Some schools developed their own successful leadership initiatives, while others lack sufficient support. Self-development emerged as a crucial factor for leadership development, particularly in schools with fewer formal opportunities. Overall, the study suggests that, while Ministry-led programmes are valuable, they need substantial improvement to address the leadership development needs of both junior and senior teachers.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: Bush, Tony
Ghavifekr, Simin
Keywords: school leadership; school leadership development; Saudi Arabia; leadership development
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1024 Teaching
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Social Sciences, Law and Education > School of Education
Item ID: 80175
Depositing User: ALZIYADI, ZAYED
Date Deposited: 26 Jun 2025 04:40
Last Modified: 26 Jun 2025 04:40
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/80175

Actions (Archive Staff Only)

Edit View Edit View