SAMPLE DISCUSSION FOR ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOLLOWING THE 10

DIMENSIONS

SAMPLE 1

Ethical Considerations

To ensure that aspects on ethics in research were strictly observed, this study

was submitted to the UIC – REC. Also, the researcher took precautions to ensure that

the required ethical procedures were followed while interacting with the participants,

citing study-related concerns and maintaining the anonymity of the research findings.

Hence, the 10 dimensions of ethical considerations were strictly observed which include

social value, informed consent, vulnerability of the research participants, risks, benefits

and safety, privacy and confidentiality, justice, transparency, qualification of the

researcher, adequacy of facilities, and community involvement.

Social Value. One of the reasons why this study was conducted is its social

value. This study is designed to add to the body of research on the leadership

effectiveness of school heads. The findings and interpretation uncovered the leadership

effectiveness of the school heads through technology leadership preparedness and job

task performance - oriented adaptability based on the assessment of the teachers. Also,

this study revealed the experiences of teachers regarding the leadership effectiveness

of their school heads. The results of this study may form part of the basis for policy

recommendation and in the crafting of appropriate, need – based, and research – based

leadership programs for principals in the Department of Education (DepEd) – Region XI.

Furthermore, this study may serve as reference for future research endeavors to be

conducted equivalent to this kind of interest.

their technology leadership preparedness and job task performance - oriented

adaptability so they can encourage and influence teachers and other school personnel

to do the same.

Informed Consent. Prior to the actual engagement, the researcher sought

consent from the participants regarding the conduct of the study. The researcher

informed the participants through a conduct of orientation on the entire process of the

study, the aims and purposes of the study, and the different dimensions of ethical

considerations to ensure their approval, and to fully convince them to be one of the

participants of the study. A written permission from the participants were secured as

evidence of their consent. The researcher also informed the participants of the study

that their participation is voluntary in nature and that they can withdraw their

involvement in the study anytime they want. Also, respect for anonymity and

confidentiality were observed in this study. Management of private information were

highly observed by the researcher to protect the identity of the participants. This means

that the participants were free to give and withhold as much information as they wish to

share to the researcher.

Vulnerability of Research Participants. Due to COVID – 19 pandemic, all

respondents or participants including the researcher were considered vulnerable. Thus,

the data gathering was conducted online. This means that the survey questionnaire was

distributed through google forms and that the conduct of the IDI and FGD were done

using online platforms to avoid contact with the respondents. Also, participants were

considered vulnerable for they can be emotionally affected on the written questionnaires
and interview questions. However, the researcher assured that the questionnaires and

interview schedule were free from offensive statements. Also, it was emphasized that

the participants can decide anytime to continue to participate or withdraw.

Risks, Benefits and Safety. As to risk, benefits, and safety, the researcher

secured consent of the participants and they were informed on the intention or purpose

of the study prior to its conduct. The participants were not forced to participate and that

they were ensured of protection as there were potential risk of being deceived or

threatened to take part in the study. Also, the conduct of IDI and FGD were scheduled

on the most convenient time of the participants to avoid risks and ensure safety of the

participants. In addition, the guide questions that were utilized in the conduct of IDI and

FGD were validated by a panel of experts to ensure that the questions will cause

minimal harm. The researcher performed an intense analysis of potential risks and

benefits, and careful approach were employed both in acquiring consent and during the

research procedure itself. Additionally, Inter – Agency Task Force (IATF) protocols were

strictly observed to avoid the transmission of COVID – 19.

Moreover, potential risks such as discomforts, inconvenience, shame, or fear

being the participants were revealed or explained to the participants. To avoid these

problems, the researcher assured that all mitigating measures were employed to

minimize these potential risks. Hence, the IATF health protocols were highly observed.

Moreover, to provide benefit to DepEd – Region XI for allowing the researcher to

conduct the study, the results and recommendations were communicated to them. Such

action was very helpful for the creation of programs, projects and activities that may

enhance the leadership effectiveness of the school heads in Region XI.

transparency, legitimate purpose, and proportionality in the collection, retention, and

processing of personal information as provided for in the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The

researcher respected the participants’ right to privacy. Unless required by law, the

confidentiality of information shall at all times be observed by the researcher (National

Ethical Guidelines for Health-Related Research, 2017). The researcher also assured

that the names and details of the participants were dealt with utmost confidentiality. In

particular, the researcher ensured the participants that their names and responses will

be kept anonymous. Moreover, the questionnaires with substantial data, transcriptions,

pictures, and recordings that were retrieved were securely kept by the researcher. Most

importantly, the researcher assured the participants that the data gathered will solely be

utilized for this research study only.

Justice. The researcher observed justice through employing appropriate

sampling technique in selecting the participants in both quantitative and qualitative

phases of this research. This research was conducted with the highest level of rigor and

expertise, the participants were fairly determined, the research was completed or

conducted in the right environment with adequate facilities and expertise. Also, the

researcher treated the participants appropriately regardless of their rank or position in

the in the school. Aside from this, since the researcher made use of the time and effort

and even interrupted the routines of the participants, they were given corresponding

tokens of appreciation or any other form of reasonable and appropriate incentive.

Transparency. In this study, transparency was considered as an essential

element. With this, the participants were made to understand the main purpose of the
study is to determine the moderating effect of job task performance - oriented

adaptability on the relationship between technology leadership preparedness and

leadership effectiveness. Also, the participants were informed of their active

involvement in the data gathering phase through answering the survey questionnaires

or participate in the IDI and FGD that will require them to answer interview guide

questions. The participants were also informed on the possible risks and discomforts

along the process. This dimension of ethical consideration also means disclosure of the

research results to the participants. Hence, the findings of the study were properly

communicated to the participants for them to know the importance of the information

that they had shared for the improvement of the different programs, projects, and

activities down to their governance level. The researcher also will make sure that the

outcomes of the study, it will be properly communicated in full scope and with accuracy.

Moreover, the participants were made aware that the expenses incurred in this

research endeavor was personally shouldered by the researcher. Proper

communication was observed before the conduct of the study through written

permission from the regional office and from the 11 schools division offices.

Qualification of the Researcher. The researcher who is responsible for the

research endeavor must possess the qualities like moral fortitude, scientific

competence, social awareness, cultural sensitivity, intellectual humility, vigilance, and

preparedness in safety issues. Regarding this qualification standards, the researcher is

highly capable of pursuing the study based on her credentials, proficiency, and training.

Also, the researcher has attended trainings on school management and human

resource management which will partly speak of her qualification to investigate this field
of interest. Also, the researcher was guided by her research adviser who is more

qualified in terms of research. The researcher decided to pursue with this study

because she believed that she met the elements such as competence in conducting the

study, making a careful design, and creating worthwhile expected outcomes. This

means that the researcher has possessed the necessary skills and knowledge for the

specific investigation to be carried out and is aware of the limits of personal competence

in research.

The conduct of the data collection process was done online as a precautionary

measure against the spread of COVID – 19. With this, the researcher is highly capable

of conducting online data collection process. Specifically, she is proficient in the use of

Google Forms to administer the approved survey questionnaires for the quantitative

phase of the study. Also, the researcher is knowledgeable in utilizing different virtual

platforms such as the Google Meet and Zoom for the conduct of IDI and FGD of the

qualitative phase of the study.

Adequacy of Facilities. The researcher assured that there were available and

accessible resources needed in this study. Books, online journals, and unpublished

dissertations are available for further readings and references which provided varied

literatures and studies that supported the association of the variables used in the study.

Besides, the researcher was aware that audio recorders, camera, and other materials

needed for the conduct of the study were available. In addition, approval of appropriate

institutions and offices were sought by the researcher. This means that with the

availability of facilities and materials and proper communication, there was an

assurance that the researcher can successfully conduct and finish the study. Further,
since the conduct of data collection was online, the use of computers, survey

administration software such as Google Forms, and video – communication service

such as Zoom and Google Meet were available and necessary in conducting this study.

Community Involvement. Prior to the conduct of this study, the researcher sent

a letter to the regional director seeking necessary permission and asking for

endorsement to the Schools Division Offices. The school division superintendents then

endorsed the research endeavor to the schools. Participants to this study were provided

with the needed information, thus, taking part in the possible research output. Such

involvement in the study was essential because the results may form part of the basis

for crafting of initiatives and interventions to enhance the technology leadership

preparedness of the school heads, strengthen the job – task performance - oriented

adaptability in the schools, and raise the leadership effectiveness of the school heads.

Moreover, the findings of this study will be communicated to both internal and external

stakeholders for information, awareness, and possible utilization through proper

communication to DepEd Region XI Office, schools division offices, school learning

action cells (LAC) sessions, training and seminar programs, and other professional

development programs.
SAMPLE 2

Ethical Considerations

Social Value. Results of this study are deemed to contribute valuable insights to

school leaders, not only of HEIs but other academic institutions, for developing strategic

plans and revising their policies that can help sustain teachers’ commitment to their

institution, thereby ensuring their high-level performance even in times of difficulties.

Also, the study on job satisfaction as a mediating factor provided school leaders with

awareness of the need for transformational leadership practices in the developing

satisfaction in the workplace that consequently resulted in a more committed teaching

force in schools. School leaders can use this information obtained in this study as basis

in making adjustments of their leadership and management style in order to have

satisfied and committed teachers who will help the school achieve its educational goals.

Additionally, teachers can utilize this study's findings to reflect on their commitments to

their respective intuitions and strengthen their sense of obligation and emotional

involvement and identification to the school. With the aforementioned, problems on

teacher turnover due to lack of commitment would be resolved. Finally, the students

can benefit from this study as they are the recipient of work performance by a satisfied

and committed teaching workforce.

Informed Consent. In this study, informed consent was secured from all

participants of the study. Through the Informed Consent Form (ICF), the researcher was
able to present to the participants the detailed and comprehensive explanation of the

study's purpose and the nature of the participants’ participation, including the reason

why they fit to become participants of the study. Also, the ICF provided information on

the study procedures; the potential risks and discomforts as well as benefits of the

participants and society; provisions on data privacy and confidentiality, voluntariness of

participation and the rights to withdraw from participation; reimbursement and

compensation; and contact information should the participants want to communicate for

questions about the study and for other concerns or complaints about their rights as

research participants. It was done to make it a point that the participants would have a

full understanding of the study and the implication of their participation. The researcher

became keen not to create false expectations just to obtain participants' full cooperation.

The researcher ensured that the condition of the consent is a voluntary choice. The

researcher also ensured that the form bears the participant's signature to imply that he

or she involved himself or herself in the study voluntarily.

For the quantitative phase, an informed consent became the first main section of

the Google Form. After reading the entire informed consent section, the participants

were required to upload their signatures in the last part of the section as a sign of their

voluntary participation before proceeding to the second section, the survey form. For

the qualitative phase, another informed consent form in the MS Word file was sent to

the chosen participants from the quantitative strand. The informed consent forms were

ensured to have been affixed with the participants' electronic signature and were sent

back to the researcher before the qualitative data collection (interview) begins.
 Vulnerability of Research Participants. The participants of the study were not

considered vulnerable since they are of legal age and mature enough to decide whether

to involve themselves or not. The researcher ensured that the enumerator, who is the

school representative that helped the researcher during recruitment of participants, are

also teacher and not a person who holds any administrative position in the school. By

this, the concept of power asymmetry was addressed, thus ensuring that the

participants were protected from being threatened or forced to participate. The

researcher also assured that participants’ identities remained confidential and

guaranteed that no participants were identified. Certainly, the participants were treated

with the highest respect. The participants were told that if any inconvenience is felt

during the interview and in answering the questionnaire, the participants are free to

raise their concerns or cancel the activity. They were also made aware that they are

free to withdraw their participation if they find it uncomfortable anymore.

Risk, Benefits, and Safety. After careful assessment of foreseeable risks and

benefits of the participants in relation to the study, the researcher was able to determine

the following. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the study participants are placed at

high health risk when data is collected using printed questionnaires and a face-to-face

interview. Moving from one place to another to comply with data collection procedures

also put the participants in possible harm and inconveniences as nobody knows how

safe the places and the people they can encounter. Thus, to address such concerns,

the data gathering for this study was done online with the use of Google Form and

Google Meet applications for the quantitative and qualitative data collection,

respectively. The participants were also advised to answer the online survey and
participate in the virtual interview only in a safe place like their homes. This was done to

ensure that transmission of COVID-19 virus would never be possible, safeguarding the

participants' physiological and psychological health.

In addition, the questionnaires used in the study did not contain sensitive topics

and any degrading or discriminating language that may cause psychological or

emotional discomfort to the participants. However, if the participants feel such

discomforts, the participants were given freedom not to answer the survey items or

interview questions or, as mentioned in the previous section, they can withdraw from the

study if they feel that they cannot not discuss the information that is asked from them.

The researcher valued their participation and placed their welfare as the highest priority

during the conduct of the study.

Moreover, the questionnaire was designed only to collect information related to

the study and no private and sensitive questions were asked. Extra careful approach

was employed in collecting data so that irrelevant and confidential details will be

rejected. In the quantitative data collection, the participants were told that they are free

to ask questions with regards to the items in the questionnaire through email,

messenger, or phone call.

Further, as part of the instruction during quantitative data collection, the

participants were asked to answer the online survey in a place where only them can see

the online portal. During the virtual interview in the qualitative strand, the researcher

ensured that there is no other person in his venue and that headphone were used to

make sure that only the researcher can hear the responses of the participants. In

addition, the respondents could have been possibly subjected to economic risk since
their work might have been disturbed during the gathering of data. Hence, the

participants were given a reasonable incentive for inconvenience brought about by the

study.

Further, this study ensured that the potential benefits of the participants are

greater than the potential harm. The findings and discussions in this study can act as

evidence-based information that can aid school leaders as they devise strategies and

refine school policies. The teacher-participants will be benefited as they are the

recipients of these strategies and policies which may foster better work experiences,

thereby allowing them to obtain high-level satisfaction and commitment.

Data Privacy and Confidentiality. Regarding the participants' right to privacy,

the researcher secured all records of information in the study and did not release any of

it that can expose and specify the participants’ identity. The records files of this study

were named in such a way that only the researcher can recognize it, and these were

stored in a separate storage drive to ensure that only the researcher can access it. The

data were also kept in the researcher’s email to easily be retrieved when needed for the

benefit of research participants.

As part of the Informed Consent Form, the participants of the FGD were

reminded that the identity of co-participants and the information discussed during the

virtual meeting shall be kept confidential. Also, in presenting the results, the researcher

used codes to anonymize the participants. The participants were also told that if they

would choose to withdraw their statements or their participation in the study, the

researcher would readily allow it and exclude their data in the presentation of the result.
The researcher made an orientation to his transcribers on the terms and conditions of

privacy and confidentiality to be observed in the study.

All these were observed in adherence to the principles of transparency,

legitimate purpose, and proportionality in the collection, retention, and processing of

personal information (Data Privacy Act of 2012). This move is to protect the participants'

identities and ensure that the data cannot be traced back to them.

Justice. In order to avoid bias in dealing with the participants, the researcher

considered all participants equally whether they participated in the survey, IDI, or FGD.

Any higher education teachers from the selected HEIs who fit the qualification were

considered as potential participants in the study, thereby ensuring equitable selection.

There was fair sharing of burdens and benefits in the study. The researcher ensured

that the benefit obtained by one participant can be experienced by other participants by

giving the findings of this study to their respective school heads. The teacher-

participants would benefit as they are the recipients of the intervention programs,

improved policies and new strategies to be designed by their school leaders in

consideration of the valuable information and insights that can be drawn from this study.

Private HEIs and their students would equally gain advantage since a satisfied and

commit teaching force would produce competent students as outputs. Likewise, though

the teachers’ participation, the researcher can benefit by finishing his dissertation as

requirement for his education degree and may use the findings of the study in his own

institution.

Besides, data gathering procedure was conducted online; thus, there was fair

sharing of minimal risk or burden among participants and the researcher. Also, to
compensate for the time and internet data spent during data collection, the researcher

provided the participants with a reasonable incentive in a form of cellular phone load.

Respect for the dignity of all research participants was also given the utmost priority.

Moreover, to make this endeavor scientifically valid, the researcher submitted

this research to three rounds of defense before a technical panel and to an ethics

review committee. The research tools were validated by experts before its use. The

researcher also sought assistance to an expert data analyst to ensure accuracy of

results and to his adviser to do the auditing of his works.

Transparency. All parties need to be transparent to be ethical. The researcher

ensured that the process, the nature of the study, and the extent of participation were

clear and understandable to the participants. The researcher was transparent on the

aspects of the study, mainly the information that impact the participants' decision to give

or withhold their informed consent. Participants will have access to and review the

study's findings if the findings are scientifically valid and have significant implications for

their well-being. In both quantitative and qualitative aspects, the researcher ensured

that the study was carried out in full scope and accuracy. In the quantitative data

analysis, the researcher ensured that the data presented has reflected the exact results

of the statistical test. In order to achieve precision in qualitative analysis, data

transcripts were also presented to the participants to verify accuracy and correctness of

interpretations. The researcher also ensured that summary of study results has been

sent to the participants after it is polished through the help of the technical panel of

examiners and editors.

The researcher recognized his competence in research. Being a candidate for a PhD

degree, having experiences in reviewing thesis, seminars and trainings in mixed-

methods research attended, guidance of the technical panel, and supervision of UIC

Research Ethics Committee, the researcher is confident enough that the study was

conducted with scientific and ethical soundness. Apart from that, the researcher was

under the guidance of his competent adviser who has done a study with variables

similar to the study and performed various statistical analyses. Also, the researcher’s

adviser has been a director of research and publication and published numerous

studies. He is a speaker and research presenter in local and international conferences,

a research consultant, a data analyst, a research ethics committee member of DOH XI,

a research technical panel member, and adviser to various dissertation papers.

Adequacy of Facilities. The researcher ensured that research facilities were

adequate in the conduct of the study. The researcher has a continuous internet

connection that facilitated data collection and was used in addressing questions by the

participants. The researcher has a laptop and mobile device that were used during in-

depth interview and focused group discussion. The internet and library resources were

within reach for further references that supported and strengthened the analysis and

interpretation of the gathered data. Group of experts were also provided by the

University of the Immaculate Conception to assist the researcher in reviewing technical

and ethical soundness of the study, treating quantitative and qualitative data, and

communicating the results.

engaged with the community of academicians: UIC academic community, heads of

various private HEIs, and private HEI teachers who are the participants of the study.

The UIC academic community were involved in correcting, validating, and revising this

study. The heads of various HEIs were significant in facilitating the approval of the

conduct of this study to their teachers. Most importantly, the teacher-participants had

substantial involvement as data to generate valuable findings of the study were coming

from them.

Further, the findings of this study and its implications would be shared with

different private HEIs in the region and other scholars in the community to increase their

understanding on teachers’ organizational commitment and how transformational

leaders can influence such commitment through satisfaction of teachers in the

workplace. The HEIs, specifically their leaders, may gain empowerment as they utilize

this study's findings to make better decisions and enhance their policies and practices

that affects their teaching force. Scholars in the academic community can also do

further research relative to the findings of this study to broaden further the bank of

evidence-based information about the variables involved in this study.