The levels of religious schooling and practices of teachers and their perception of school leadership

Growing attention has been devoted to the necessity to be informed about the different religious beliefs as they affect management and professional values. The impact of religious schooling on attitudes towards management and economics has been more the subject of theoretical debate than of empirical research, and this is particularly true concerning the effect of religion on teachers' attitudes towards leadership.

The results of past research show that religious schooling or practices can have an impact on work practice or attitudes. In different areas such as moral judgement, work values, and management values, there are contradictory findings on the impact of religion. In the framework of this study we sought to ascertain if there is any difference between teachers who received a religious education and teachers who did not receive such an education in their attitudes toward school management. We then identified and analysed the specific areas where there were significant differences.

This study is an attempt to move in the direction of a more precise understanding of the complex impact of religion on attitudes towards school life and management. It can also represent a base for constructive, concrete dialogue and for an exchange of approaches between the secular and religious educational systems.