SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ BEHAVIORAL INTENTIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN CHINA

Abstract

This study specifically looked into what Chinese school principals reported in relation to their salient behavioral beliefs (attitude), normative beliefs (subjective norms), and control beliefs (perceived behavioral control) relative to green school practices by using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). In general, the study indicated that participating Chinese school principals saw teachers’ and students’ awareness of environmental protection, physical environment within a school, and the surrounding environment as advantages to implementing green school practices. They also reported that most stakeholders would support green school efforts. However, factors such as limited knowledge, money, and personnel would be potential barriers for leading a green school. This study will be the first of this kind in the field of educational leadership that explores Chinese principals’ perspectives relevant to green school practices, and therefore, will serve as a foundation for future research.