Ethical leadership and diversity management in the Greek educational system: Perspectives from regional education directors

This qualitative study examines the characteristics of ethical leadership and diversity in the Greek educational system. Despite the growing international interest in these concepts, there is limited research on how senior educational directors understand and implement ethical leadership and diversity management to support vulnerable groups. Addressing this research gap, the study explored Regional Education Directors’ perspectives on ethical leadership and diversity management and investigated the practices they develop to promote inclusion within a bureaucratic and centralized educational context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 Regional Education Directors and analyzed using thematic analysis. This is the first study to include high-level directors in educational research in Greece. The findings revealed educational inequalities, discriminatory attitudes toward students from diverse backgrounds by some parents, and limited opportunities for the development of ethical leadership practices due to the strict legal framework governing education. However, participants described initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive practices and supporting diversity in response to the increasing educational challenges associated with migration across Europe. The study provides practical implications for educational leadership and management by highlighting the need for greater institutional support, enhanced leadership preparation, and more flexible policy frameworks to enable school leaders to promote equity and inclusion effectively.