Exploring the Impact of Leadership Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Malaysian Primary School Principals' Initial Knowledge and Emotional Well-being

Abstract

During the pandemic, school principals have had to reassess their leadership practices to support the well-being of teachers and students while concurrently enhancing online learning sessions. This study explores the initial knowledge of primary school principals in leading during crisis situations and their emotional experiences while managing primary schools amid the pandemic. Seventeen primary principals were interviewed using Google Meet due to lockdown and movement restriction orders (MCO). The findings revealed that primary principals' exposure to a pandemic situation had been largely theoretically-based. While the pandemic has caused anxiety and stress, principals have received collaborative decision-making support from teachers. Despite the challenges, principals noted that the pandemic enriched their new leadership experiences, knowledge, and skills in crisis management.