2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 1
Available Online: 2 February 2026
Author/s:
Fernandez, Capitulo R.
Department of Education- SDO Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines (capitulo.fernandez001@deped.gov.ph)
Naui, Jesusa L.*
Nueva Vizcaya State University, Philippines (jl_naui@nvsu.edu.ph)
Abstract:
This study employed a quantitative descriptive–correlational design to examine the relationship between school heads’ decision-making practices and teachers’ professionalism in public elementary schools of Bambang II District during the academic year 2025–2026. The study focused on four dimensions of decision-making—adaptive, innovative, routine, and participative—and six dimensions of teacher professionalism, namely competency, commitment, self-discipline, expertise, integrity, and interpersonal skills. A total of 108 permanent public elementary school teachers participated as respondents. Data were gathered using a validated and reliability-tested survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were utilized to determine the levels of decision-making practices and professionalism, while Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation was employed to examine the relationship between the two variables at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that school heads’ decision-making practices were perceived as very good (𝑥̄ = 4.34), with participative and innovative decision-making rated highest. Teachers’ level of professionalism was also rated high (𝑥̄ = 4.30), with integrity emerging as the strongest dimension. However, correlation analysis indicated a very weak and non-significant relationship (ρ = 0.118, p > 0.05) between decision-making practices and teacher professionalism, suggesting that other factors may exert greater influence on professional behavior. Based on the findings, a targeted training program was developed to strengthen strategic decision-making, ethical leadership, and professional competencies among school heads and teachers. The study provides valuable insights for educational leaders and policymakers seeking to enhance leadership effectiveness, professional growth, and organizational development in public schools.
Keywords: decision-making practices, teachers’ professionalism, training design
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26019
Cite this article:
Fernandez, C. R., & Naui, J. L. (2026). School heads’ decision-making practices and teachers’ professionalism in public elementary schools of Bambang II District. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(1), 249-264. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26019
* Corresponding Author