Analysis of the Dimensions and Components of Identifying and Recruiting Principals in Elementary Education in Tehran

Abstract

A crucial factor that helps schools achieve better performance and higher efficiency is having principals with high professional competencies. This goal can only be realized by policymakers through the identification and recruitment of qualified individuals. The objective of this article is to analyze the dimensions and components of identifying and recruiting principals in elementary education in Tehran. The research method employed in this study is qualitative. In addition to a document review, thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA12 software to examine the dimensions, components, and indicators. The statistical population in the qualitative phase included all experts in educational management, human resources, educational psychology, elementary education, experienced school principals, and district education administrators. Theoretical saturation was achieved after conducting 20 interviews. After analyzing the interviews and applying thematic analysis, basic, organizing, and overarching themes were extracted. The qualitative findings included three dimensions, nine components, 42 categories, and 103 indicators. Finally, the initial conceptual model was validated using the Strauss and Corbin method for qualitative data, confirming that all codes had sufficient validity in terms of comprehension, adaptation, generalization, and control.