Liderança como fator de sucesso na gestão escolar: estudo de caso numa escola privada na região norte de Portugal

From the literature, it can be observed that leadership theories are intended to examine the behavior of leaders who are able to earn the trust and the support of their organizational subordinated, leading them to an increase in their productivity and satisfaction. Studies point out the transformational leadership approachas responsible for high levels of motivation and commitment on behalf of the subordinated. Analyzing the contribution of leadership to the success in school management was the main objective of this research. For that, a mixed methodology was used, in the form of a single case study, with a quantitative and qualitative approach, being descriptive and interpretative. The data collection instruments used were the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5x), applied to teachers and to coordinators,as well as an interview survey directed to the school principal. It was found that the transformational leadership style, democratic in its nature and inserted in an organizational model that is defined by an image of clan, results in efficiency, satisfaction and,especially, in the strengthening of the motivational commitment of the educators. Therefore, it is inferred that a motivated, innovative and experienced leadership, aware of its strategic role for the achievement of the organizational goals, contributes to the success of the school management.