Abstract:

Purpose and aim of article:
This article aimed to broaden the understanding and application of servant (leadership) orientation within the context of school dialogue, focusing specifically on private schools in South Africa. Recognizing the pivotal role that schools play globally in shaping well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to society, the study delved into the servant leadership paradigm as an alternative framework for achieving the vision and mission of educational institutions. The servant leadership approach, characterized by a profound commitment to service as a higher calling, challenged conventional educational methods, prompting a re-evaluation of their efficacy in fostering optimal emotional, academic, and social development in learners.

Methodology:
Employing a qualitative methodology, this research assessed the interpretations of the servant school leadership paradigm by leaders, managers, and teachers in private schools. The aim was to contribute best practices to the broader discourse in both private and public school settings, fostering dialogue on the consideration and implementation of the servant leadership paradigm to fulfil institutional visions and missions.

Results and discussion:
The results revealed that participants were conversant with the servant leadership paradigm, offering diverse and practical interpretations. These interpretations, discussed within the article, contributed to the ongoing dialogue on the potential impact of servant (leadership) oriented schools. The findings suggested that embracing servant leadership as a reinforcing paradigm could significantly enhance the school environment, fostering a positive atmosphere conducive to the success of both teachers and learners.

Conclusion:
This article concluded with a call for national and international discussions on servant leadership-oriented schools, emphasizing the importance of shared understanding among all stakeholders. The keywords guiding this exploration included education, servant leadership, interpretations, private school perspective, and supportive paradigm.

Keywords:

Education, Servant leadership, Interpretations, private school perspective, and supportive paradigm.