Creating Collective Responsibility at School: Principals' Roles, Faced Challenges, and Solution Strategies.

This study examines the role of urban public school principals in Türkiye in fostering collective responsibility (CR) among teachers, defined as shared cooperation and collaboration in school duties and problem-solving. Using a phenomenological qualitative design based on focus group interviews with eight principals during the 2023-2024 academic year, the research identifies challenges to creating CR originating from teachers, principals, and external pressures, including resistance to extra work, communication gaps, and administrative demands. Principals play a key role in promoting CR through support, effective communication, and managerial strategies such as delegating leadership roles and motivating staff. The study suggests that establishing professional learning communities and enhancing principals' communication skills may further strengthen collective responsibility and school improvement in urban settings.