A Comparison of Multicultural Leadership Among School Administrators in Rajaprajanugroh Schools, Special Education Administration Bureau, Group 6, Upper Northern Region
Abstract:
This research aimed to: 1) examine the level of multicultural leadership among school administrators and compare the levels of multicultural leadership of administrators in Rajaprajanugroh Schools, special education administration bureau, group 6, upper northern region, classified by school size and teachers work experience; and 2) explore guidelines for the development of multicultural leadership for these administrators. The sample group consisted of 282 teachers from Rajaprajanugroh Schools special education administration bureau, group 6, upper northern region, in the academic year 2024, obtained through simple random sampling. The research instrument was a 5-point rating scale questionnaire with an IOC value ranging from 0.60-1.00 and a reliability coefficient (α) of 0.909 and 2) a semi-structured interview form. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. The results showed that: 1) The overall level of multicultural leadership among Rajaprajanugroh School administrators was high. When examining individual aspects, building good relationships with the community rated highest, followed by acceptance of cultural diversity, promotion of equality, equity and educational justice, development of internal organizational relationships, resource support, communication competence, and morality, respectively. 2) Comparison by teaching experience showed statistically significant differences at the .05 level in all aspects. When comparing by school size, significant differences were found in five aspects: acceptance of cultural diversity, communication competence, development of internal organizational relationships, morality, and building good relationships with the community, all with statistically significant differences at the .05 level. 3) The proposed guidelines for developing multicultural leadership among school administrators emphasize the need for understanding and respecting diversity, effective communication using clear and accessible language, promoting learning, and fostering sustainable collaboration and strong relationships with the community. Furthermore, it is essential to support the exchange of ideas, utilize technology to enhance student quality, and establish a participatory organizational culture to strengthen interpersonal relationships. Administrators should also serve as moral role models, reduce biases, and encourage positive activities to promote educational equity.