| Abstract [eng] |
SUMMARY The master's thesis analyzes the influence of leadership on the development of social partnerships in preschool institutions. The aim of the work is to determine the influence of leadership on the development of social partnerships in preschool institutions. To achieve such goal, the following tasks were formulated: to analyze the theoretical aspects of the concepts of leadership and the development of social partnerships; to reveal the expression of leadership and social partnerships in preschool institutions; to investigate whether the components of the interaction of the five elements of leadership (leader, follower, influence, process, goal) are manifested in the activities of leaders; to determine whether leadership influences the development of social partnerships. The object of the work is the influence of leadership on the development of social partnerships in preschool institutions. The work consists of three parts: theoretical, methodological, and empirical. In the theoretical part there is analyses of the concepts of leadership, identifying the main components of leadership. It defines the aspects of leadership expression in preschool institutions. It analyzes the concepts of the development of social partnerships and their characteristics in preschool institutions, defining the levels of development of social partnerships. It reviews the context of preschool education and the development of social partnerships in Lithuania. The methodological part of the work presents the methodology of empirical research: the research design, which describes the philosophical and managerial concepts underlying the qualitative research, and the corresponding theoretical assumptions; the research methods, which determine the sample of qualitative research, the research strategy, and the characteristics of the respondents; the ethics and organization of the research. The empirical part of the work analyses the data obtained from interviews with the heads and experts of preschool institutions, which are related to the influence of leadership on the development of social partnerships in preschool institutions. This part presents the analysis of qualitative research data, results, and discussion. The research revealed that social partnerships are understood as forms of cooperation, working relationships and conditions, social initiatives, and social projects. Their basis is dialogue and cooperation. Leaders in this process provide support, represent the interests of the institution, evaluate and coordinate the need for social partnerships, which is best for the quality of the institution's activities. Leaders in their activities encourage cooperation with social partners, strengthen existing social partnerships, and actively seek new partnerships. Social partners are consistently or as needed involved in the planning and implementation of activities, and feedback is received. The involvement of social partners in the activities of the institution improves the quality of the institution's activities, promotes changes and renewal, provides benefits, new ideas, and exchanges of experiences. Leaders influencing the development of social partnerships are characterized by communication skills, personal example and support, strategic thinking, development, and change management. Based on these skills, relationships are created and maintained, knowing the purposefulness of social partnerships. These skills correspond to the characteristics of leadership formed by scientists. At the end of the work, conclusions and recommendations are presented to the heads of preschool institutions: to strengthen leadership skills, to encourage employee leadership, to aim for purposeful and targeted development of social partnerships, seeking broader influence, new opportunities, and benefits for the quality of education. It is recommended to implement social partnerships at institutional, regional, and national levels. |
