| 英文摘要 |
This study aims to explore how social network relationships influ¬ence decision-making processes among principals in elementary and ju¬nior high schools. Adopting a qualitative research approach, semi-struc¬tured in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 school principals to examine their experiences in school decision-making. In addition, social network analysis (SNA) was employed to identify key actors and relation¬al structures involved in principals’decision-making processes. The find¬ings reveal that principals draw on multiple types of school-related data depending on the nature of the decision context. However, data do not directly lead to decision outcomes. Instead, they are interpreted, negoti¬ated, and transformed through interactions within principals’social net¬works. Results from social network analysis indicate that administrative teams, educational authorities, and professional peers occupy positions of high centrality in decision-making networks, providing critical infor¬mational and relational support. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that social network relationships play a mediating and regulatory role in school decision-making by shaping principals’confidence, risk assess¬ment, and perceptions of decision legitimacy. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of school decision-making processes and high¬- light the importance of social networks in educational governance and leadership practices. |