The Relationship Between Project School Principals‘ Transformational Leadership Practices and Teachers’ Individual Innovativeness Levels

Year 2025, Issue: 59, 92 - 112

Çilem Aksu , Sait Akbaşlı

https://doi.org/10.33418/education.1630184

Abstract

This study explores the transformational leadership behaviours of principals in project schools and their influence on teachers' individual innovativeness. Conducted with 351 teachers from project schools in Çankaya, Ankara, during the 2023-2024 academic year, the study utilized the Transformational Leadership Scale (Taş & Çetiner, 2011) and the Individual Innovativeness Scale (Ovacı & Saatçi, 2020). Data were analysed using SPSS 22, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses. The results reveal that teachers perceive principals as frequently exhibiting transformational leadership behaviours, while teachers’ innovativeness is rated as “good.” Female teachers reported higher levels of individual innovativeness compared to male teachers, although there was no significant gender difference in perceptions of leadership behaviours. Variables such as age, education, seniority, and time working with the principal showed no significant impact. However, fine arts teachers had higher perceptions of principals’ transformational leadership behaviours compared to teachers in other branches. Finally, transformational leadership behaviours of principals were found to significantly predict the individual innovativeness levels of teachers. These findings indicate that transformational leadership positively affects teachers’ capacity to generate and implement new ideas. Therefore, fostering supportive and trust-based school cultures, encouraging collaboration across disciplines, and providing principals with opportunities for professional development and mentorship can further strengthen innovation. Promoting transformational leadership and valuing every teacher’s potential may create sustainable environments that nurture creativity and continuous improvement in education.

Keywords

project school principals , transformational leadership , individual innovativeness

Proje Okul Müdürlerinin Dönüşümcü Liderlik Uygulamaları ile Öğretmenlerin Bireysel Yenilikçilik Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişki

Abstract

Bu çalışma, proje okullarındaki müdürlerin dönüşümcü liderlik davranışlarını ve bu davranışların öğretmenlerin bireysel yenilikçiliği üzerindeki etkisini araştırmaktadır. 2023-2024 eğitim-öğretim yılında Ankara Çankaya'daki proje okullarından 351 öğretmenle yürütülen çalışmada Dönüşümcü Liderlik Ölçeği (Taş ve Çetiner, 2011) ve Bireysel Yenilikçilik Ölçeği (Ovacı ve Saatçi, 2020) kullanılmıştır. Veriler SPSS 22 kullanılarak betimsel istatistikler, korelasyon ve regresyon analizleri ile analiz edilmiştir. Sonuçlar, öğretmenlerin müdürleri sıklıkla dönüşümcü liderlik davranışları sergileyen kişiler olarak algıladıklarını ve öğretmenlerin yenilikçiliklerinin “iyi” olarak değerlendirildiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Kadın öğretmenler erkek öğretmenlere kıyasla daha yüksek düzeyde bireysel yenilikçilik bildirirken, liderlik davranışlarına ilişkin algılarda cinsiyet açısından anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır. Yaş, eğitim, kıdem ve müdürle çalışma süresi gibi değişkenler önemli bir etki göstermemiştir. Ancak, güzel sanatlar öğretmenlerinin müdürlerinin dönüşümcü liderlik davranışlarına ilişkin algıları diğer branşlardaki öğretmenlere kıyasla daha yüksektir. Son olarak, müdürlerin dönüşümcü liderlik davranışlarının öğretmenlerin bireysel yenilikçilik düzeylerini anlamlı bir şekilde yordadığı bulunmuştur. Bu bulgular, dönüşümcü liderliğin öğretmenlerin yeni fikirler üretme ve uygulama kapasitesini olumlu yönde etkilediğini göstermektedir. Bu nedenle, destekleyici ve güvene dayalı okul kültürlerinin teşvik edilmesi, disiplinler arası iş birliğinin artırılması ve okul yöneticilerine mesleki gelişim ile mentörlük fırsatlarının sunulması yenilikçiliği daha da güçlendirebilir. Dönüşümcü liderliğin teşvik edilmesi ve her öğretmenin potansiyelinin değer görmesi, eğitimde yaratıcılığı ve sürekli gelişimi besleyen sürdürülebilir ortamlar oluşturabilir.

Keywords

proje okulu müdürü , dönüşümcü liderlik , bireysel yenilikçilik

References

• Adıgüzel, A. (2012). The relation between candidate teachers' moral maturity levels and their individual innovativeness characteristics: A case study of Harran University Education Faculty. Educational Research and Reviews, 7(25), 543-547. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR12.089
• Afsar, B., & Umrani, W. A. (2020). Transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour: The role of motivation to learn, task complexity and innovation climate. European Journal of Innovation Management, 23(3), 402-428.
• Aksel, N., & Elma, C. (2018). The relationship between transformational leadership behaviours of middle school principals and teachers' motivation. The Journal of Abant İzzet Baysal University Faculty of Education, 18(3), 1252-1268. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2018.18.39790-471112
• Aksu, A., & Balci, Y. (2009). Organizational commitment and transformational leadership in general high schools. Education Sciences, 4(4), 1468-1480. https://doi.org/10.12739/10.12739
• Aksu, Ç., Erçetin, Ş. Ş., Akbaşli, S., & Neyişçi, N. (2025). Leading Project Schools in Türkiye: Challenges and Solutions. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/15700763.2025.2563369
• Alkurt, E. (2020). The impact of leadership styles on organizational innovation performance (Publication No. 629539) [Master's Thesis, Bahçeşehir University-İstanbul]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Amabile, T. (2011). Componential theory of creativity. Harvard Business School Boston, MA.
• Anderson, M. (2017). Transformational leadership in education: A review of existing literature. International Social Science Review, 93(1), 1-13.
• Anderson, N., Potočnik, K., & Zhou, J. (2014). Innovation and creativity in organizations: A state-of-the-science review, prospective commentary, and guiding framework. Journal of Management, 40(5), 1297-1333. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206314527128
• Atak, N., & Çaka, C. (2023). Investigation of the relationship between individual innovation profiles of special education teacher candidates and their tendency towards the use of technology in class. Educational Policy Analysis and Strategic Research, 18(1), 129-144. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.29329/epasr.2023.525.6
• Avolio, B. J., & Bass, B. M. (2004). Multifactor leadership questionnaire (TM). Mind Garden, Inc. Menlo Park, CA.
• Aykanat, Z., & Çalışkan, M. (2019). The relationship between transformational leadership and organizational innovativeness: A public sector example. Kafkas University Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences Faculty, 10(20), 829-857. https://doi.org/10.36543/kauiibfd.2019.035
• Balyer, A. (2012). Transformational leadership behaviors of school principals: Qualitative research based on teachers’ perceptions. International Online Journal of Educational Sciences, 4(3), 581-591.
• Bass, B. M. (1985). Leadership and performance beyond expectations. The Free Press Google Scholar.
• Bass, B. M. & Bass, R. (1990). Stogdill’s handbook of leadership: Theory, research, and managerial applications. The Free Press Google Scholar.
• Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage.
• Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational leadership. Psychology Press.
• Bilgivar, O. O., & Asmaz, A. (2022). The impact of school principals' transformational leadership traits on teachers' job satisfaction levels according to teachers' perceptions. Karaelmas Journal of Educational Sciences, 10(2022), 176-193.
• Bolat, T., & Seymen, O. A. (2003). An Evaluation of the effects of "Transformational Leadership Style" on the establishment of work ethics in organizations. Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences, Balıkesir University, 6(9), 59-85.
• Burns, J. M. (1978). Ledership. Harper&Row.
• Can, N. (2002). Educational management in the process of change. Journal of National Education, 4, 155-157.
• Celep, C. (2004). Teaching as a profession. Anı Publishing.
• Cemaloğlu, N. (2007). An examination of school principals' leadership styles in terms of different variables. Journal of Turkish Educational Sciences, 5(1), 73-114.
• Ceyhan, M. (2022). The relationship between transformational leadership of primary school principals and organizational cynicism according to the opinions of classroom teachers (Publication No. 720213) [Masters’s thesis, Adnan Menderes University-Aydın]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Cırıt, H., & Günday, R. (2019). The background of secondary education institutions implementing special programs and projects, and the implementation of project-based schools. Journal of Social Sciences in the International Turkish Cultural Geography, 4(2), 143-151.
• Çobanoğlu, N. (2021). Transformational leadership job satisfaction’s relationship with innovativeness in elementary schools. Yaşadıkça Eğitim, 35(2), 696-714. https://doi.org/10.33308/26674874.2021352330
• DeMarzo, L. (2018). Public school principals’ perceptions of innovation. Simon Fraser University.
• Demirel, Y., & Seçkin, Z. (2008). The effects of knowledge and knowledge sharing on innovation. Çukurova University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 17(1), 189-202.
• Demirtaş, E., & Şama, E. (2016). The relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment in schools. Iğdır University Journal of Social Sciences, 10, 275-298.
• Duvacı, T. (2017). The effects of transformational leadership and organizational climate on employees' innovative behaviour: A study (Publication No. 465659) [Master's Thesis, İstanbul University-İstanbul]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Dülker, A. P. (2019). The relationship between transformational leadership and organizational cynicism: The case of Balıkesir Province (Publication No. 536920) [Master's Thesis, Balıkesir University-Balıkesir]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Dümen, G. (2008). The impact of transformational leadership behaviors on employee job satisfaction: A case study in a military unit (Publication No. 227797) [Master's Thesis, Gazi University-Ankara]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Elçi, Ş. (2006). Innovation: The key to development and competition. Nova Publishing. Erçetin, Ş. Ş., Açıkalın, Ş. N., & Olgun, Z. (2021). Leadership competencies of the imam hatip school principals. Eskiyeni, 45, 819-841.
• Geijsel, F., Sleegers, P., Leithwood, K., & Jantzi, D. (2003). Transformational leadership effects on teachers’ commitment and effort toward school reform. Journal of Educational Administration, 41(3), 228-256. https://doi.org/DOI: 10.1108/09578230310474403
• Geijsel, F., Sleegers, P., & van den Berg, R. (1999). Transformational leadership and the implementation of large‐scale innovation programs. Journal of Educational Administration, 37(4), 309-328.
• Grošelj, M., Černe, M., Penger, S., & Grah, B. (2020). Authentic and transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour: The moderating role of psychological empowerment. European Journal of Innovation Management, 24(3), 677-706.
• Gün, F. (2020). An investigation of the relationship between school principals' transformational leadership traits and teachers' organizational commitment (Publication No. 655686) [Master's Thesis, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University-Karaman]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Hiçyılmaz, Y. (2021). The role of learning organizations and talent management in the impact of school principals' transformational leadership styles on innovation management in their schools (Publication No. 670664) [Doctoral Dissertation, Dokuz Eylül University-İzmir]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Hughes, G. D. (1990). Managing high-tech product cycles. Academy of Management Perspectives, 4(2), 44-55.
• İncik, E., & Yelken, T. (2011). The innovation levels of primary school teacher candidates: The case of Mersin University. 1st International Conference on Educational Programs and Teaching, October 5-8, 2011., Eskişehir: Anadolu University.
• Kahya, E. (2023). The impact of school principals' transformational leadership behaviors on teachers' professional development (Publication No. 810524) [Master's Thesis, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University-Zonguldak]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Karaman, D. (2021). Programme diversity and project school applications in imam hatip high schools (Publication No. 696926) [Doctoral Dissertation, Sakarya University - Sakarya]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Karasar, N. (2014). Scientific research methods. Nobel Academic Publishing.
• Karcıoğlu, F., & Kaygın, E. (2013). The impact of transformational leadership understanding on creativity and innovation. Kafkas University Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences Faculty, 4(5), 99-111.
• Kavrayıcı, C. (2019). An examination of school principals' leadership styles in terms of various variables. Anadolu University Journal of Faculty of Education, 3(2), 116-131.
• Kayasandık, A. E. (2024). The relationship between teachers' individual innovation and readiness for change and perceived organizational support: A study in Samsun. The Journal of Academic Social Science, 54(54), 511-527. 10.16992/ASOS.12792
• Keklik, B. (2012). Determining the leadership types adopted in healthcare services: A case study of a private hospital. Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences, 14(1), 73-93.
• Kert, S. B., & Tekdal, M. (2012). Comparison of individual innovativeness perception of students attending different education faculties. Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences, 11(4), 1150-1161. 10.29228/ijla.70319
• Kılıçer, K. (2011). Individual innovation profiles of computer and instructional technology teacher candidates (Publication No. 286820) [Doctoral Dissertation, Anadolu University-Eskişehir]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Kılıçer, K., & Odabaşı, H. F. (2010). Individual innovation scale (IIS): Adaptation to Turkish, validity, and reliability study. Hacettepe University Journal of Faculty of Education, 38(38), 150-164.
• Kiriş, B., & Aslan, H. (2019). Teacher perceptions of the relationship between school principals' transformational leadership characteristics and teachers' professional self-esteem. Electronic Journal of Social Sciences, 18(72), 1656-1675.
• Kırs, F. (2014). The relationship between school principals' transformational and transactional leadership behaviours and teachers' burnout levels (Case study of Batman Province) (Publication No. 439956) [Master's Thesis, Zirve University-Gaziantep]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Kızıloğlu, M. (2022). The effect of transformational leadership on organizational learning and innovation during covid-19. Journal of Business Research, 14(1), 416-432. https://doi.org/10.20491/isarder.2022.1388
• Korejan, M. M., & Shahbazi, H. (2016). An analysis of the transformational leadership theory. Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, 8(3), 452-461. https://doi.org/10.4314/jfas.v8i3s.192
• Korucu, A., & Olpak, Y. (2015). An examination of the individual innovativeness traits of teacher candidates from the perspective of various variables. Educational Technology Theory and Practice, 5(1), 109-127. https://doi.org/10.17943/etku.83117
• Kurtuldu, T., Doğan, İ., İnan, M., & Yıldırım, M. (2024). Examining the relationship between individual innovativeness and positive future expectation levels of physical education teacher candidates. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, 12(2), 234-247.
• Leithwood, K., & Jantzi, D. (1999). Transformational school leadership effects: A replication. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 10(4), 451-479.
• Leithwood, K., Tomlinson, D., & Genge, M. (1996). Transformational school leadership. In International Handbook of Educational Leadership and Administration: Part1–2 (pp. 785-840). Springer.
• Marks, H. M., & Printy, S. M. (2003). Principal leadership and school performance: An integration of transformational and instructional leadership. Educational Administration Quarterly, 39(3), 370-397.
• Mohammed, T. Y. (2019). An application on the effect of transformational leadership style on organizational culture and innovation in the business [Master's Thesis, Anadolu University-Eskişehir]. eArşiv@Anadolu.
• MoNE. (2016). Ministry of education regulation on teacher appointment and principal assignment to educational institutions implementing special programmes and project.
• Moolenaar, N. M., Daly, A. J., & Sleegers, P. J. (2010). Occupying the principal position: Examining relationships between transformational leadership, social network position, and schools’ innovative climate. Educational Administration Quarterly, 46(5), 623-670. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161X1037868
• Naillioğlu, M., Şahin, Ç. Ç., & Yılmaz, F. G. (2022). Adaptation of the individual innovativeness scale for school principals: A Turkish validity-reliability study. Humanistic Perspective, 4(2), 307-333. https://doi.org/10.47793/hp.1054256
• Ovacı, C., & Saatçi, E. Y. (2020). Measurement of individual innovation competencies: Scale adaptation study. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 7(1), 143-171. https://doi.org/10.30798/makuiibf.602669
• Öncü, E., Yalçın, S., & Özpolat, A. R. (2023). An examination of the relationship between school principals' leadership styles and teachers' organizational commitment and organizational communication levels. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 65, 415-442. 10.21764/maeuefd.1103001
• Özalp, İ., & Öcal, H. (2000). Transformational leadership approach in organizations. Balıkesir University Journal of Institute of Social Sciences, 3(4), 207-227.
• Özdemir, G. (2020). The individual innovativeness perspective of teachers: What type of innovator am I? Turkish Studies-Educational Sciences, 15(4), 2823-2839. https://doi.org/DOI:10.47423/TurkishStudies.42849
• Özgür, H. (2013). An examination of the relationship between the critical thinking tendencies and individual innovation characteristics of information technology teacher candidates in terms of various variables. Mersin University Journal of Education Faculty, 9(2), 409-420.
• Polat, M., Yalçın, S., & Köroğlu, M. (2024). An examination of the relationship between transformational leadership, organizational cynicism, and organizational communication. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty 71, 177-204. 10.21764/maeuefd.1386944
• Rad, H. F., Shahi, S., & Fazeli, A. (2021). The role of transformational leadership and knowledge management in organizational innovation of schools. Education and Self Development, 16(1), 40-53. https://doi.org/DOI: 10.26907/esd16.1.05
• Robbins, S. P., & Coulter, M. (2007). Management. Prentice-Hall.
• Runco, M. A. (2004). Creativity. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 657-687. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.55.090902.141502
• Sandıkcı, M., Vural, T., & Zorlu, Ö. (2015). The effects of transformational leadership behaviours on organizational health in hotel businesses: A study in Afyonkarahisar province. Journal of Management Science, 13(25), 161-200.
• Sarafidou, J.-O., & Xafakos, E. (2015). Transformational leadership and principals' innovativeness: Are they the “keys” for the research and innovation-oriented school? In multidimensional perspectives on principal leadership effectiveness. IGI Global. 1(15), 324-348. https://doi.org/DOI:10.4018/978-1-4666-6591-0.ch015
• Sargın, H. (2021). Views on entrepreneurial leadership roles of project school principals (Publication No. 690273) [Master's Thesis, Akdeniz University-Antalya]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Scott, S. G., & Bruce, R. A. (1994). Determinants of innovative behavior: A path model of individual innovation in the workplace. Academy of management journal, 37(3), 580-607.
• Sezgin, F. (2019). School principal and leadership: The Turkish education system and school management. Pegem Academy.
• Smith, P., & Bell, L. (2011). Transactional and transformational leadership in schools in challenging circumstances: A policy paradox. Management in Education, 25(2), 58-61. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/0892020611399608
• Sun, R., & Henderson, A. C. (2017). Transformational leadership and organizational processes: Influencing public performance. Public Administration Review, 77(4), 554-565.
• Şahin, İ., Çoban, F. N., Aydın, M., & Sarı, Z. (2022). Determination of school expectations of public-school parents: A descriptive study. Gaziantep University Journal of Educational Sciences, 6(1), 143-157.
• Şentürk, F. K., Durak, M., Yılmaz, E., Kaban, T., Kök, N., & Baş, A. (2016). Research on determining the effects of transformational and transactional leadership on individual innovativeness. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Institute of Social Sciences, 8(17), 173-198.
• Tajasom, A., & Ahmad, Z. A. (2011). Principals' leadership style and school climate: Teachers' perspectives from Malaysia. International Journal of Leadership in Public Services, 7(4), 314-333.
• Taş, A., & Çetiner, A. (2011). Teachers' opinions on the implementation of transformational leadership behaviors by secondary school principals. Turkish Journal of Educational Sciences, 9(2), 369-391.
• Tierney, P., & Farmer, S. M. (2002). Creative self-efficacy: Its potential antecedents and relationship to creative performance. Academy of Management Journal, 45(6), 1137-1148. https://doi.org/DOI:10.2307/3069429
• Timuçin, M. (2009). Diffusion of technological innovation in a foreign languages unit in Turkey: A focus on risk‐aversive teachers. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 18(1), 75-86.
• Tura, B., & Akbaşlı, S. (2021). The effect of organizational intelligence level on teachers’ innovative work behaviors. OPUS International Journal of Society Researches, 18(43), 6790-6805. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26466/opus.937986
• Uygur, Ö. (2020). A study on the impact of teachers' perceptions of innovation management and entrepreneurship regarding school principals on organizational commitment in project schools (Publication No. 695957) [Doctoral dissertation, Süleyman Demirel University-Isparta]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Uygur, Ö., & Yıldırım, A. (2024). The moderating role of work overload in the effect of transformational leadership on individual innovativeness: A study on school principals. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 12(4), 93-107. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.34293/education.v12i4.7879
• Uzkurt, C. (2017). Innovation management and innovative organisational culture. Beta Publishing.
• Yenice, N., & Yavaşoğlu, N. (2018). Examining the relationship between individual innovativeness levels and individual creativity of prospective science teachers. Journal of Theory & Practice in Education, 14(2), 107-128.
• Yıldız, E. (2019). The effect of school principals‘ transformational leadership behaviours on teachers’ perceptions of individual innovativeness (Publication No. 594005) [Master’s Thesis, Abant İzzet Baysal University- Bolu]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
• Yılmaz, B., & Tore, E. (12 Feb 2025). The mediating role of self-efficacy in the effect of school principals’ transformational leadership characteristics on teachers’ innovative work behavior. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 1-20. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/15700763.2025.2462741
• Yılmaz, P. (2019). Examining the relationship between school principals‘ transformational leadership behaviours and organisational communication according to teachers’ perceptions [Master's Thesis, İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim University-İstanbul]. DSpace@İZÜ.
• Yüksel, S., & Bilgivar, O. O. (2024). The relationship between school principals‘ transformational leadership styles and teachers’ creative thinking dispositions. The Western Anatolia Journal of Educational Sciences (WAJES), 15(1), 373-391.
• Zhang, Q., Abdullah, A., Hossan, D., & Hou, Z. (2021). The effect of transformational leadership on innovative work behaviour with moderating role of internal locus of control and psychological empowerment. Management Science Letters, 11(4), 1267-1276.
• Zhou, J., & George, J. M. (2001). When job dissatisfaction leads to creativity: Encouraging the expression of voice. Academy of Management Journal, 44(4), 682-696. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2307/3069410