The Concept of Creative Leadership among Schools Administrators under Local Administrative Organizations: A Case Study of Songkhla City Municipality

Abstract

This research article aimed to study the concept of creative leadership among school administrators under the local administrative organization: A case study of Songkhla Municipality, and to explore approaches for developing creative leadership in this context. The study employed a qualitative research design based on phenomenology within the interpretive paradigm. The key informants included educational personnel holding administrative and non-administrative positions, namely school directors, heads of subject departments, and teachers. They were selected through purposive and convenient sampling methods. A semi-structured interview was used as the research instrument, and data was collected through in-depth interviews. Data saturation was reached at 15 informants. The data were analyzed using content analysis in combination with thematic analysis and observation.

          The findings revealed that, overall, school administrators under Songkhla Municipality demonstrated a good level of creative leadership, particularly in terms of vision, creative problem-solving, openness and trust-building, as well as collaboration. Although they remained cautious in risk-taking, they showed the ability to learn effectively from mistakes. Developmental approaches should emphasize training in strategic thinking, promoting design thinking processes, fostering an organizational culture that embraces diversity, and enhancing collaborative work.

          Practical recommendations include encouraging risk-taking and trust-building through training, establishing collaborative networks, conducting continuous evaluation, and integrating the concept of creative leadership into school administrator development programs.