The mediation of trust in principals between the effect of school-based management on school effectiveness in Oman

Purpose This article investigates the direct effect of SBM factors on school effectiveness (SE) and the mediating effect of trust between SBM and SE. Design/methodology/approach This study used quantitative methods. The study participants were 728 teachers from different schools and regions in Oman. Data were collected through a survey and analysed through structural equation model (SEM) using SmartPLS 4 statistical software to determine the direct effect and bootstrapping for mediation. Findings The results of the path analysis revealed the direct effect of SBM factors on SE in Oman. The results also confirmed the full mediation of trust and revealed the direct impact of certain SBM aspects on SE dimensions. Practical implications The findings contribute to the growing literature on the positive effect of SBM on SE and introduce trust, for the first time, as a strong mediator between SBM and SE. Originality/value This study provides key evidence that implementing SBM in Oman can be an effective strategy for empowering school administrators, autonomy, and community engagement.