Exploring Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Emotional Intelligence of Administrative Heads: A Qualitative Study in Madrassas and Public Sector Institutes of The Punjab

Abstract

This research explores self efficacy beliefs and emotional intelligence of administrative heads of Madrassas and public sector institutes. The study is based on the interpretivist paradigm because it focuses on the exploration of individual experiences. The qualitative research approach was used in this study hence thematic analysis was adopted as the analytical method to categorize the responses of the administrative heads into themes and patterns. The participants of the study consisted of 24 male administrative heads from three divisions of Punjab province conveniently selected. A semi-structured interview protocol was adapted for the study. The findings indicate that there are differences in the self-efficacy and emotional intelligence experiences, Madrassa administrators tend to make decisions at the central level, whereas the public sector officers prefer decentralised decision making. The Public sector institutions demonstrate a structured system for academic audits and professional development, emphasizing continuous learning and financial incentives. In contrast, Madrassas employ used traditional and religious-focused methods with less formalized structures for teacher evaluation and development. These differences highlight the unique challenges and strengths within each type of institution, providing insights into how contextual factors shape leadership practices. The study underscores the importance of understanding these dynamics to enhance leadership effectiveness and improve educational outcomes across diverse educational settings.