Authors :
Janette V. Bejona; Raul C. Orongan
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/yzecj4bb
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/8zst94cf
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2032
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study investigates the influence of cultural intelligence (CQ), quality assurance (QA), and organizational
behavior (OB) on the innovation capability of public school leaders in Region X, Northern Mindanao. Utilizing a descriptivecorrelational-structural equation modelling design, the research analysed data from school administrators across eight
divisions for the 2025-2026 school year. Results reveal that school leaders possess "Highly Demonstrated" levels across all
variables. Metacognitive CQ emerged as a key strength for strategic adaptation, while QA practices showed excellence in
stakeholder partnerships. Notably, OB was characterized by highly collegial and participative styles. Inferential analysis
confirmed significant positive correlations between all variables and innovation. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)
identified Model 5 as the best fit, establishing OB as the primary engine of innovation, possessing over four times the
influence of CQ or QA. Participative behavior was the strongest individual predictor, highlighting that collaborative
environments are essential for transformative leadership.
The study introduces the Innovation Capability Model (ICM), which conceptualizes organizational transformation
through a high-tech metaphor, positioning the "Laptop" as the operational hub where technical infrastructure is activated
by the foundational power of Social Cognitive Theory. This capability is realized when the "Antenna" of Transformational
Leadership connects the organization to the global environment, utilizing a tactical "Keyboard" of strategic leadership styles
to execute initiatives. Ultimately, the model highlights a critical synergy between Quality Assurance and Cultural
Intelligence, represented as a digital handshake that balances operational stability with human adaptability to drive
actualized innovation.
Keywords :
Cultural Intelligence, Quality Assurance, Organizational Behavior, Innovation Capability, Public School Leadership.
References :
- Al Dhaheri, A. (2022). Does being culturally intelligent make you a transformational and adaptable leader? Journal for Multicultural Education, 16(4), 387–398.
- Aparicio, J. M. (2025). Participative and supportive leadership behaviors as predictors of instructional innovation among Filipino school heads. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 45(3), 401–406.
- Balbuena, C. et.al (2025). Leadership perspectives of Filipino school heads in diverse international contexts: A multiple case study. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 11(5), 45–56.
- Caruz, M. J. N. (2024). Innovative work behavior of principals and organizational effectiveness of public schools in Davao City. Pedagogy Review: An International Journal of Educational Theories, Approaches and Strategies, 2(1), 12–25.
- De Jong, W. A., Lockhorst, et.al (2022). Leadership practices in collaborative innovation: A study among Dutch school principals. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 50(6), 928–944
- Doğuş, Y. (2026). The relationship between distributed leadership and the enthusiasm and professional collaboration levels of teachers in Türkiye: The moderator effect of teacher optimism. Frontiers in Psychology, 17, 1729734.
- Leithwood, K., Harris, A., & Hopkins, D. (2020). Seven strong claims about successful leadership revisited. School Leadership & Management, 40(1), 5–22.
- Luz, I. G. Jr. (2022). School heads’ level of innovative educational management practices, challenges encountered, and strategic initiatives adopted as basis for policy recommendation. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 11(3), 45–62. Cagayan State University.
- Röhl, S., Pietsch, M., & Cramer, C. (2024). School leaders’ self-efficacy and its impact on innovation: Findings of a repeated measurement study. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 52(6), 1477–1496.
- Valdés, H., & Krichesky, G. J. (2026). [Inclusive leadership, equity, and collaborative culture]. Journal source forthcoming.
- Villafane, R.S. (2025). Participative leadership of school heads: Implications for an effective academic mentorship program. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 3(4), 131–146.
- Widodo, W., Damanik, J., Bastian, A., Chandrawaty, C., & Sariyo, H. (2024). How cultural intelligence-based principal leadership affects teacher task performance: The mediating role of organizational culture and school governance. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 24(2), 172–185.
- Yu, H., et.al (2025). The impact of deans’ distributed leadership on university teachers’ job performance: The mediating role of job satisfaction. Cogent Education, 12(1), 2458713.
This study investigates the influence of cultural intelligence (CQ), quality assurance (QA), and organizational
behavior (OB) on the innovation capability of public school leaders in Region X, Northern Mindanao. Utilizing a descriptivecorrelational-structural equation modelling design, the research analysed data from school administrators across eight
divisions for the 2025-2026 school year. Results reveal that school leaders possess "Highly Demonstrated" levels across all
variables. Metacognitive CQ emerged as a key strength for strategic adaptation, while QA practices showed excellence in
stakeholder partnerships. Notably, OB was characterized by highly collegial and participative styles. Inferential analysis
confirmed significant positive correlations between all variables and innovation. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)
identified Model 5 as the best fit, establishing OB as the primary engine of innovation, possessing over four times the
influence of CQ or QA. Participative behavior was the strongest individual predictor, highlighting that collaborative
environments are essential for transformative leadership.
The study introduces the Innovation Capability Model (ICM), which conceptualizes organizational transformation
through a high-tech metaphor, positioning the "Laptop" as the operational hub where technical infrastructure is activated
by the foundational power of Social Cognitive Theory. This capability is realized when the "Antenna" of Transformational
Leadership connects the organization to the global environment, utilizing a tactical "Keyboard" of strategic leadership styles
to execute initiatives. Ultimately, the model highlights a critical synergy between Quality Assurance and Cultural
Intelligence, represented as a digital handshake that balances operational stability with human adaptability to drive
actualized innovation.
Keywords :
Cultural Intelligence, Quality Assurance, Organizational Behavior, Innovation Capability, Public School Leadership.