World Education Connect Multidisciplinary e-Publication, Vol. VI, Issue VI (June 2026), pp.533-553
Patricia Mariae P. Rojo, MPA
Senior Bookkeeper
Department of Education: Constancio E. Aure Sr National High School
ABSTRACT
Communication transparency is a critical element of effective school governance because it promotes openness, trust, accountability, and stakeholder participation. In public schools, transparent communication supports informed decision-making, strengthens school-community relations, and enhances the implementation of school programs, policies, and governance processes. Despite the growing importance of participatory school management, communication gaps continue to affect the quality of school governance. This study examined stakeholders’ perceptions on communication transparency in school governance in a public secondary school setting. Specifically, it sought to determine stakeholders’ perceptions of communication transparency, identify existing communication transparency practices in school governance, examine barriers that hinder transparent communication, and propose strategies to strengthen communication transparency in school management.
The study utilized a descriptive mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected through a researcher-made survey questionnaire, while qualitative data were gathered through open-ended responses and interviews. The study focused on school stakeholders who are directly involved in or affected by school communication and governance processes. Weighted mean, frequency count, percentage, and standard deviation were used to analyze quantitative responses, while thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data.
Findings revealed that stakeholders generally perceived communication transparency as the timely, clear, honest, and accessible sharing of school-related information, decisions, and updates. Existing communication transparency practices included faculty meetings, official memoranda, school assemblies, digital group chats, school bulletin or transparency boards, and consultation meetings. However, barriers to transparent communication were also identified, including delayed dissemination of information, inconsistent use of communication channels, limited access to official updates, fear of misunderstanding or conflict, and varying levels of digital access and communication literacy among stakeholders. Respondents strongly supported strategies such as the regular release of reports and updates, the establishment of clear school communication protocols, wider stakeholder consultation, use of multiple communication platforms, and improved documentation and feedback systems.
The study concludes that communication transparency is both a governance principle and a leadership practice that influences trust, participation, and accountability in school management. Strengthening communication transparency through structured systems, inclusive communication practices, and school-wide accountability mechanisms may contribute to more responsive, participatory, and effective school governance.
Keywords: communication transparency, school governance, stakeholders, school communication, accountability, educational management
https://zenodo.org/records/21232322
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