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The influence of School principals’ management on school efficiency: Evidence from Italian schools

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Listed:
  • Mergoni, Anna
  • Camanho, Ana
  • Soncin, Mara
  • Agasisti, Tommaso
  • De Witte, Kristof

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between school principals’ managerial practices and two key dimensions of school performance: students’ cognitive outcomes and school climate. School performance is assessed using a classical Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework, complemented by both unconditional robust and conditional robust models to evaluate the influence of managerial practices on school efficiency. We introduce a methodological innovation that allows for a nuanced analysis of how contextual variables – specifically, principals’ managerial practices – affect performance, both individually and through their interactions. The analysis is based on 2019 INVALSI data from a nationally representative sample of 8th grade students in Italian schools. The findings show that principals’ practices, as well as the ways in which these practices interact, play a significant role in shaping school efficiency, particularly by promoting a positive and supportive school climate.

Suggested Citation

  • Mergoni, Anna & Camanho, Ana & Soncin, Mara & Agasisti, Tommaso & De Witte, Kristof, 2026. "The influence of School principals’ management on school efficiency: Evidence from Italian schools," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 329(1), pages 260-272.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:329:y:2026:i:1:p:260-272
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2025.06.020

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    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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