Republic of the Philippines

SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL
Lucban, Quezon

ANNA MARIE A. RANILLO

Ph.D. -EDM

Introduction

Governance and leadership are essential components of any organization, especially in a dynamic and
continuously evolving sector such as the Department of Education (DepEd). In this reflective essay, we will
delve into the concepts of governance and leadership within the context of DepEd, discussing classical
theories of leadership, neoclassical theories of management, and modern management theories. By
examining these theoretical frameworks, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the principles that guide
effective governance and leadership within educational institutions.

Body

Governance and leadership play crucial roles in shaping the direction and success of an organization,
particularly in the field of education. In the case of DepEd, effective governance ensures that policies are
implemented efficiently and that resources are allocated effectively to achieve the department's objectives.
Leadership, on the other hand, sets the tone for the organization, inspiring and guiding staff members to
work towards a common goal.

Classical theories of leadership, such as the trait theory and the great man theory, focus on identifying
specific traits or characteristics that make a leader effective. According to these theories, leaders are born
rather than made, and possess innate qualities that set them apart from others. While these theories may
have provided a useful starting point for understanding leadership, they have been criticized for their lack of
empirical evidence and failure to account for situational factors that can influence leadership effectiveness.

Neoclassical theories of management, including contingency theory and situational leadership theory, seek
to address some of the limitations of classical theories by emphasizing the importance of context in
determining the most effective leadership style. Contingency theory posits that the most suitable leadership
approach depends on the specific circumstances faced by an organization, while situational leadership
theory suggests that leaders should adapt their behavior to match the maturity level of their followers. These
theories highlight the need for leaders to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of their
organization.

In contrast to classical and neoclassical theories, modern management theories take a more holistic
approach to leadership, viewing it as a dynamic and complex process that involves multiple stakeholders
and factors. Transformational leadership, for example, focuses on inspiring and motivating followers to
achieve their full potential, while servant leadership prioritizes the needs of others over personal gain. These
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Brgy. Kulapi, Lucban, Quezon
www.slsu.edu.ph | slsu_support@slsu.edu.ph
Tel. No. (042) 540-47-87
 Republic of the Philippines
SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Lucban, Quezon

theories emphasize the importance of ethical behavior, social responsibility, and stakeholder engagement in
effective leadership, reflecting the evolving nature of leadership in today's society.

Examples of effective governance and leadership in DepEd can be seen in the implementation of various
programs and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in the Philippines. For instance, the K
to 12 Basic Education Program, which was introduced in 2013, sought to enhance the country's educational
system by adding two years to the existing curriculum. This initiative required strong leadership from
DepEd officials to coordinate efforts across different levels of the organization and ensure the successful
implementation of the program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, governance and leadership are essential components of effective organizational management,
particularly in the context of educational institutions like DepEd. By understanding the principles
underlying classical, neoclassical, and modern management theories, we can gain insights into the qualities
and behaviors that make a leader successful. By applying these theoretical frameworks to real-world
examples, such as the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Program, we can appreciate the
impact that effective governance and leadership can have on improving the quality of education for future
generations. As governance and leadership continue to evolve in response to changing societal needs and
expectations, it is essential for educational leaders to adapt and embrace new approaches that prioritize
ethical behavior, stakeholder engagement, and innovation in order to drive meaningful change within their
organizations.

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Brgy. Kulapi, Lucban, Quezon
www.slsu.edu.ph | slsu_support@slsu.edu.ph
Tel. No. (042) 540-47-87