School Innovation: Building a Culture Through Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

Background: Innovation in education is essential for fostering improved learning outcomes, operation efficiency and school excellence. Many challenges persist due to due to gaps in leadership strategies, limited stakeholder engagement, and inadequate professional development opportunities. This study explores the role of school principals in promoting a culture of innovation in private schools in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing an electronic questionnaire to examine how school leaders drive innovation. The study explores the correlation between a culture of innovation and five key elements: school leadership performance, relationships with students and parents, school activities and programs, the overall school environment, and principals’ demographic factors. An innovation assessment tool measured the level of innovation across selected schools. Results: By identifying key school performance weaknesses, this study aims to provide insights that can help school principals enhance their leadership practices and cultivate a thriving culture of innovation within their institutions. Conclusions: The findings contribute to understanding teachers’ and staff members’ propensity to innovate under effective school leadership.