School Principals and Human Relations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of what human relations mean for school principals. The following questions were examined in the present study: “On what bases are human relations established by school principals both inside and outside the school?” and “Which meaning patterns are apparent in these relations?” Conducted in phenomenological design, the sample consisted of 51 school principals, who were working in the selected from 19 provinces,including at least one province from each of the 26 sub-regions of 2nd level classification, which was determined by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). Data indicated two bases on which human relations actualized: sympathetic and political bases. On sympathetic basis, patterns of meaning such as constructing belonging, building trust, building motivation, accessibility, consultation and restorative approach emerged; however, on political basis, patterns of meaning as acceptance, providing role balance, exceeding the form, authority representation and elimination of financial needs became visible.