Between the Bureaucratic Blueprint and the Human Soul: A Comparative Analysis of Leadership and Cultural Preferences in Government and Private Schools

This study compares leadership styles and organisational culture preferences in government and private schools. The research evaluated data from 156 participants (principals, department heads, and instructors) using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Organisational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI). According to the findings, government schools have a much more hierarchical structure than private schools. Participants in both sectors reported a desire to minimise hierarchy in favour of a “clan culture,” but this preference was only statistically significant in the private sector. Furthermore, transformational leadership was positively associated with preferences for clan-oriented culture. The findings suggest a need for alignment between leadership practices and organisational culture to support more collaborative school environments