Organizational Culture in a Successful Primary School: An Ethnographic Case Study

Even though they are perceived similar from outside, all schools have distinct characteristics and a culture that differ them from other schools. School culture, is one of the important factors that play role in school efficiency and success. The purpose of this study was to examine the culture of a successful school profoundly. This study was a case study since it was limited to one school and an ethnographic study since a cultural context was used for the identification of the school. A criterion for success was determined by the scores of a standardized test (OKS). One voluntary school which was directed from the same director for the last three years was selected among the most successful five schools in OKS within five years in Konya. Unstructured observation, semi-structured interview and stories were used for the data collection. The data were provided through the use of Microsoft Excel. The results demonstrated that student-based variables and studies in the school for special exams played a more significant role than school-based variables on school success. The results also demonstrated that the school had a positive school culture in general. It can be concluded that positive organizational culture characteristics such as (1) teachers from different views have positive relationships, (2) teachers demonstrating shared attitudes in problem solving, and (3) school directors having leadership characteristics also contributed to school success.