A qualitative study on entrepreneurial skills of principals

In today's world, the rapid developments in science, technology, economy and social fields have forced the improvements in the field of education. This is because a country's development and progress is inseparable from the success and development in the field of education. Therefore, it is necessary to train individuals to adapt to this rate of renewal in knowledge. The cornerstone of education system is school and for the schools to be effective, it is necessary for them to adapt to environment, to always be more functional as well as to improve their activities. In order for the schools to meet these objectives, principals are always crucial for the improvements of the schools. Therefore, principals are supposed to possess the entrepreneurial and innovative skills that have the direct influence in the school management. This qualitative study aimed at drawing the opinions on the entrepreneurial skills of principals as well as their reflections on the schools. The study used the case method and the qualitative data obtained were analyzed by using NVivo 9 analysis program. Participants in the study involved 10 principals who were working in primary schools in 2014-2015 academic year in the districts of Bozyazi and Buca in the provinces of Mersin and Izmir respectively. The results of the study indicate that the principals possess different opinions on the entrepreneurial skills and the consensus opinions imply that these skills may reflect on positive development of the schools. In addition, in the context of this study, the suggestions are given to principals to develop their entrepreneurial skills. © 2016 Peter Lang GmbH. All rights reserved