Analysis of the Role of Participatory Management in Improving the Effectiveness of Educational and Training Programs in Schools

The present study aimed to analyze the role of participatory management in improving the effectiveness of educational and training programs in secondary schools of Tehran. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of nature and method. The statistical population of the study consisted of all principals, teachers, and members of the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) of secondary schools in Tehran during the academic year 2024-2025 . Using stratified random sampling method based on Krejcie and Morgan's table, 384 individuals were selected as the statistical sample. Data collection instruments included two standardized questionnaires: the Participatory Management Questionnaire (32 items) and the Effectiveness of Educational and Training Programs Questionnaire (24 items). The content validity of the instruments was confirmed through expert opinions, and construct validity was verified through confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the questionnaires was estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient as 0.942 and 0.915, respectively, indicating desirable internal consistency of the instruments. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis using the simultaneous method) with SPSS version 27. The findings revealed a positive, strong, and significant relationship between participatory management and the effectiveness of educational and training programs in schools (r = 0.721, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the four dimensions of participatory management—participatory decision-making, trust-building, vision-building, and participatory implementation—collectively explained 52% of the variance in the effectiveness of educational and training programs (R² = 0.520), among which participatory decision-making (β = 0.254) had the greatest contribution in predicting program effectiveness. Based on the findings, participatory management, through creating effective cooperation platforms, increasing organizational commitment, and facilitating constructive interactions among all school stakeholders, serves as a significant and influential predictor that leads to the enhancement of quality and effectiveness of educational and training programs in schools.