Strengths of School-Based Management: A Thematic Study of Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement in Level 3 Schools

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the strengths of School-Based Management (SBM) implementation in Level 3–recognized public secondary schools in the Schools Division of Samar. Guided by Appreciative Inquiry, the research focused on practices that enabled these schools to achieve advanced SBM status. Data were generated through semi-structured, positively framed interviews with school heads and analyzed using thematic analysis. Six interrelated strengths emerged: (1) enhancement of academic performance, (2) active and collaborative stakeholder engagement, (3) distributed and visionary leadership, (4) transparency in school governance, and (5) empowerment for shared decision-making. Findings are interpreted through decentralization and distributed leadership theories and situated within prior empirical studies on SBM and shared governance. Results indicate that inclusive leadership structures, strong stakeholder coalitions, and transparent decisionmaking are critical conditions for sustaining effective SBM. These strengths align with the policy intent of Republic Act No. 9155 and relevant Department of Education issuances. The study provides evidence-based insights for schools seeking to strengthen SBM implementation and advance learner-centered, accountable governance.