school leadership 国際バカロレア The growth of International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Japan reflects a shift towards globally oriented education, with schools implementing international standards while adapting to local cultural contexts. This creates a unique dynamic where school leaders navigate tensions between IB principles and traditional Japanese cultural values. This research employs classic grounded theory to explore how traditional Japanese cultural values influence leadership practices in IB schools in Japan, developing a culturally contextualized theory rooted in school leaders' experiences and addressing a gap in the literature on hybrid educational contexts.
The research contributes to culturally responsive leadership models adaptable to diverse educational contexts, providing insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. By exploring the intersection of global and local leadership perspectives, the study informs practice in international educational settings. The findings have implications for leadership in IB schools in Japan and similar settings worldwide, demonstrating how approaches can bridge international frameworks with culturally specific values.