Campus Location
Dallas Campus (Online)
Date of Award
10-2026
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6695-0743
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
Organizational Leadership
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Dr. Derrick M. Tennial
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Dr. Deadra Hayes-Whigham
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Dr. Mark Weatherly
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how principals in rural elementary schools in the southern United States perceived their leadership behaviors as influencing school climate. The study was guided by the authentic leadership model, with a focus on compassion, relationships, values, and self-discipline. A qualitative exploratory design was used to examine the experiences and perceptions of certified principals with at least 3 years of experience leading rural elementary schools. Purposeful sampling resulted in a sample of 26 principals. Findings indicated that principals perceived authentic leadership behaviors as important contributors to positive school climate in rural elementary schools. The findings had implications for leadership preparation and professional learning by emphasizing the importance of developing principals’ capacity for compassion, relationship building, ethical decision-making, consistency, self-discipline, and meaningful engagement with families and rural communities. The study contributed to educational leadership practice by highlighting leadership behaviors that could support positive, trusting, and collaborative rural school environments
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Elledge, Annalysa L. Dr., "Rural Elementary School Principals’ Perceptions of Leadership Behaviors as an Influence on School Climate" (2026). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1060.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/1060
Comments
Rural Elementary School Principals’ Perceptions of Leadership Behaviors as an Influence on School Climate