Title:
EMPOWERMENT OF SCHOOL HEADS: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY

Authors:
Joji J. Huliganga, and Eugenio S. Guhao , Jr

Abstract:
Schools all over the world have been responsibly taken care of by school heads or principals. The main purpose of this phenomenological inquiry was to explore the experiences, challenges and insights on empowerment of 17 high school principals from selected public secondary and elementary schools in Sarangani Province. Three research tools and an in-depth interview were utilized to concretize the selection of informants and to obtain the results of the study. Results revealed that informants have varied experiences on empowerment such as: selective empowerment, empowerment on decision-making, collective empowerment, challenged leadership, and reinforced empowerment. It was also worth noting that although participants are empowered leaders in their respective schools, their empowerment is demarcated and not at all absolute; it requires persistence and fortitude. The insights they shared conveyed their selfrealizations as school heads’ empowerment is demarcated, empowerment requires persistence and fortitude, school heads need capability building, and shared empowerment is plausible. This study may guide the Department of Education to support and empower their school principals in performing their duties in management and governance. By attending conferences, workshops, and pursuing graduate degrees, school heads/ principals may enhance empowerment in their respective areas of responsibilities