BRIDGING CULTURE AND LEADERSHIP: STRENGTHENING SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS IN ORANG ASLI COMMUNITIES

Merapatkan Jurang Budaya dan Kepimpinan: Memperkukuh Keberkesanan Sekolah dalam Komuniti Orang Asli

Abstract

In schools where the student population is made of mainly Orang Asli children, the job of a principal is much more than administration such as schedule or meeting management. The principal needs to understand and appreciate the culture and traditions of the local community. This cultural respect is important as without it it is very hard to create genuine trust amongst teachers, parents and community members. This paper focuses on the effect of culturally responsive leadership to school effectiveness. The research population consisted of 450 teachers from seven states in Peninsular Malaysia with the use of a multi-stage cluster sampling technique to collect the data. Structural equation modelling showed that the higher the level of cultural responsiveness of principals, the greater the overall performance of the schools (b = 0.457, p < 0.001). A positive effect like this is seen in a number of ways. Teachers become more committed to their work, students become more interested in learning, and the community begins to put more trust in the school. This result is not only a statistical finding, but it is also reflected in what is going on in schools. When cultural respect, inclusive teaching and positive relationships with the community are practised by school leadership, the schools become more successful, harmonious and supportive places for all.