An Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Dimensions of Adaptive Management  Among Secondary School Heads Amidst Crises

Dionisio B. Siglos; Marilou D. Junsay; Ronald S. Decano

doi:10.69650/jcdrhs.2026.1552

Authors

Dionisio B. Siglos Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines & La Filipina National High School, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Philippines
Marilou D. Junsay Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines
Ronald S. Decano Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69650/jcdrhs.2026.1552

Keywords:

Adaptive Management, School Heads, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Crisis

Abstract

To better understand how school leaders respond to crises, this study investigated the underlying dimensions of adaptive management among secondary school heads using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). A 40-item Likert-scale instrument was developed based on qualitative insights from interviews with 12 school heads and validated using responses from 268 teachers. Content validity was ensured through review by educational management specialists, while a pilot test with teachers in Region XI confirmed effectiveness. Reliability testing yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.98 and a mean inter-item correlation of 0.57, indicating excellent internal consistency. The dataset demonstrated excellent sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.916) and strong factorability (Bartlett’s Test, p < .001), confirming its suitability for EFA. Four coherent dimensions of adaptive management emerged, accounting for 72.7% of the total variance: 1) actual implementation of learning continuity plans and protocols, 2) collaborative evaluation and continuous learning, 3) data-driven planning and prioritization, and 4) operational implementation and coordination. Despite acceptable item loadings, model fit indices (e.g., RMSEA = 0.148; TLI = 0.683) suggest the need for further refinement of the factor structure. These findings contribute to a novel, empirically derived framework for understanding adaptive crisis leadership in schools, highlighting adaptive management as a multidimensional construct encompassing strategic, operational, and collaborative competencies. Future research may employ Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to validate and refine this framework across broader educational contexts.

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