Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed at identifying the degree of functional engagement, perceived control, and high performance among kindergarten female principals in Khan Younis Governate, and to ensure that the degree of functional engagement has a statistically significant effect as a mediating variable in the impact of perceived control on high performance level among kindergarten female principals. Methods: The researcher in the methodology of the current study adopted a descriptive-causal approach, consisting of two main stages: the descriptive research stage and the explanatory research stage. The first stage included a descriptive orientation incorporating the theoretical framework, study background, previous research, study problem and its questions, application of measures, statistical data processing, and reaching conclusions. As for the second stage, it encompassed an explanatory-interpretive approach aimed at elucidating the respondents' responses regarding the study variables, interpreting the relationship between variables (independent, mediating, and dependent), and drawing causal relationships between them. Results: The study found that the kindergarten female principals in Khan Younis Governate had a moderate level of perceived control, functional engagement and high performance. It also demonstrated the entire positive influence of perceived control exercised by kindergarten female principals on high performance in the presence of functional engagement as a moderating variable. Conclusions: The study made a number of recommendations, the most important of which was to improve the conditions of Palestinian kindergarten staff, including principals by increasing salaries in accordance with civil service law in state institutions, intensifying legal monitoring procedures for staff rights including principals of kindergartens, and improving the level of personal and managerial competencies among principals.