LEADERSHIP DIMENSIONS AND CREATIVITY TRAITS OF ISLAMIC SCHOOLS PRINCIPALS: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

Rahimah Haji Ahmad1 (PhD), Ali Jubran Salleh2
& Simin Ghavifekr1 (PhD)

ABSTRACT
This study explores leadership dimensions and creativity traits of the principals in the Islamic schools in Jordan. Moreover, the implications of leadership behavior and practices and creativity traits in an Islamic educational setting are discussed in this paper. Data were collected using quantitative research method. Leadership practices were measured using combination of the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI-Self and LPI-Observer), and self-developed items on the Islamic component. Creativity traits were measured using the Creativity Self-Perception Questionnaire and the Creativity Teacher Observation Questionnaire. Findings of the study revealed that principals of the Islamic schools in Jordan demonstrated positive leadership behavior in all the dimensions studied. They were also found to be creative, as they were perceived to possess all the creativity traits, both by the principals themselves as well as by the teachers. The study also found a significant correlation between the leadership dimensions and the creativity traits of principals. The results of this study indicate that the more principals demonstrated positive leadership behavior, the more creative they were.

Keywords: Indigenous student, Self-esteem, Challenges, Adaptation, Higher education, Malaysia