Investigating The Correlation Between School Culture and Social Behavior Among Students in Punjab’s Public Secondary Schools

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between school culture and the social behaviour of students in secondary schools in Punjab, Pakistan, with a focus on gender differences. It aims to determine how school culture influences students' social behaviour, particularly in terms of gender variations. A quantitative, descriptive research design was employed, using a multistage random sampling technique. The study involved 270 participants, teachers from secondary schools in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan districts. Data were collected through the School Culture Survey (SCS) and the Social Behaviour Inventory (SBI). Pearson correlation, mean, and percentage analyses were applied to the data. The study revealed a medium-level positive correlation (r = 0.56) between school culture and social behaviour. Notably, female students exhibited more positive social behaviours than male students. The results suggest that a positive school culture plays a significant role in shaping student behaviour, with a stronger effect on female students. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering a positive school culture to enhance student behaviour. It is recommended that school leadership focus on professional growth and collaborative leadership practices to improve the school culture. Future research should examine how specific elements of school culture impact other student development factors, such as academic performance and emotional balance.