A Meta-synthesis of Innovative Leadership Practices among Filipino School Administrators
Keywords:
Filipino school administrators, innovative leadership, adaptive resiliency, meta-synthesisAbstract
This study synthesizes qualitative research to examine the lived experiences and innovative practices of school administrators in the Philippines. Using a qualitative meta-synthesis design, twenty primary qualitative studies published between 2020 and 2025 were systematically analyzed through thematic synthesis. The findings reveal that innovative leadership in the Philippine context extends beyond the conventional dimensions of visionary, team builder, relationship builder, and risk-taker. Instead, it is characterized by “Adaptive Resiliency,” a multifaceted approach encompassing digital governance, culturally responsive leadership, and emotional-social support. Filipino school administrators demonstrate innovation not as an individual attribute but as a collective and contextually grounded practice, navigating resource constraints, socio-cultural expectations, and technological demands. The study highlights that social capital, indigenous values, and community engagement are central to sustaining educational innovation. These insights provide a framework for developing leadership policies and professional development programs that prioritize contextual adaptation, collaborative decision-making, and culturally responsive practices. The study offers a roadmap for fostering resilient, adaptive, and inclusive leadership, ensuring that Philippine schools can effectively meet the challenges of the 21st-century educational landscape.
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Copyright (c) 2026 ARE-PEE M. CASTALONE, M.Ed., EVELYN E. JUNTILO, LPT MAEd Science/SPEd, GINA C. CLIMACO, MAEd SPEd, CARLOTA R. QUINTO, Ph.D, RONEL E. ALEMANIA, MAEd SPEd (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
