The position, role and challenges of educational leaders: a qualitative research

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master's student in educational management, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.

3 Master's student in Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.

10.22098/ael.2025.16222.1498

Abstract

Background and Objective: The present study aims to analyze the lived experiences of educational leaders regarding their position, role, and challenges within the educational system.
research methodology: This research was conducted qualitatively and is of a phenomenological nature. Given the nature of the study, a purposive sampling method was employed, focusing on 16 educational and training leaders from the academic year 2023-2024, until data saturation was reached through in-depth interviews. The data obtained from the lived experiences of these leaders were analyzed using Colaizzi's method (2002), and for validation purposes, Guba and Lincoln's four criteria (1985) were applied. Additionally, MAXQDA12 software was utilized as a tool for data analysis
Findings: The findings derived from the lived experiences of the leaders were categorized into seven main themes: "The Managerial Position and Role of Educational Leaders," "The Social Position and Role of Educational Leaders," "The Educational Position and Role of Educational Leaders," "Challenges Related to Distance Issues," "Challenges Related to Financial Issues," "Challenges Related to School Issues," and "Other Challenges".
Conclusion: The results obtained from analyzing the lived experiences of these leaders indicate that there is a set of responsibilities and challenges facing educational leaders that can be managed with a fundamental shift in approach within the educational system. Therefore, it is essential to reconsider the overarching approaches within the educational system.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 17 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 14 April 2025

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