ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

The Role of School Heads in Management: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the 5D Framework in Educational Leadership

Effective school leadership is essential for fostering a conducive learning environment and ensuring the overall development of students and staff. This research paper investigates the pivotal role of school heads—principals and headmasters—in educational management, with a special focus on a conceptual framework termed the 5D Model. The 5D Framework encompasses five core leadership attributes: Good Discipline, Right Direction, Proper Dedication, Right Determination, and Right Decision. These components collectively form a holistic model for understanding and enhancing the effectiveness of school leadership. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, structured interviews, and observational data from 50 school heads, 100 teachers, and 200 students across government and private institutions in Assam. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical methods to assess the correlation between 5D practices and institutional performance, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis for deeper insights into leadership behavior and its impact. Findings reveal that schools led by heads who consistently practice the 5D principles show significant improvements in staff motivation, student discipline, academic achievement, and overall school climate. Among the five dimensions, Good Discipline and Right Direction were most strongly associated with immediate school outcomes, whereas Proper Dedication and Right Determination contributed to sustained institutional growth. Right Decision-making emerged as a key factor in effective resource management and crisis response.