Attitude, Leadership Style, Awareness, and Readiness of Academic Staff Towards Deaf Student Acceptance in Saudi Arabia

Authors

Abdallelh Alharbi, College of Education, University of Hail, UOH, Hail Province, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaFollow
Rozniza Zaharudin, School of Educational Studies, University Sains Malaysia, USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia 11800Follow
Aznan Che Ahmad, School of Educational Studies, University Sains Malaysia, USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia 11800Follow

Abstract

The study explores faculty attitudes, leadership styles, awareness, and readiness towards deaf students in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. 327 university faculty members participated, and quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS and Smart-PLS. The findings demonstrate positive attitudes and leadership styles among Saudi faculty, leading to acceptance of deaf students. There is a significant relationship between variables, with faculty attitude positively influencing readiness for admitting deaf students. The study reveals an encouraging situation in Saudi Arabia, with faculty prepared to embrace deaf students. Transactional, transformational, and laissez-faire leadership styles are positively associated with acceptance. Increasing faculty awareness, particularly in special education, is emphasized to enhance readiness. Work experience moderates the relationship between variables. The study supports the Saudi Governments special education initiative and suggests increasing teacher awareness, implementing training programs, and offering tailored social courses for students with disabilities. Despite limitations, the research provides valuable insights into special education in Saudi Arabia.

Recommended Citation

Alharbi, Abdallelh; Zaharudin, Rozniza; and Che Ahmad, Aznan (2023) "Attitude, Leadership Style, Awareness, and Readiness of Academic Staff Towards Deaf Student Acceptance in Saudi Arabia," Information Sciences Letters: Vol. 12 : Iss. 11 , PP -.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/isl/vol12/iss11/40