The aim of this study is to compare the mechanisms of selecting primary school principals in Iran, Japan, Malaysia and Turkey. This study was qualitatively comparative in terms of methodology and data collection method, and the research was documented through the study of primary and secondary sources including official regulations and rules of the Ministries of Education of the countries, policy documents, international reports (UNESCO, OECD, World Bank) and scientific articles indexed in databases such as Scopus, ERIC and ScienceDirect. Data analysis was based on four stages of the Brody method including description, interpretation, juxtaposition and comparison. The findings showed that in Iran, the process of selecting primary school principals mainly emphasizes written tests and structured interviews and pre-appointment training is limited. While in Japan and Malaysia, the selection process is heavily dependent on pre-appointment training and continuous in-service training. Also, in these countries, the participation of stakeholders such as parents and teachers in the selection process plays a prominent role. In Turkey, the selection process is more centralized and oversight is carried out through ministries. The study shows that Japan and Malaysia have been able to conduct the selection process of managers more effectively through specialized training and continuous education, while Iran and Turkey need to make structural reforms in these areas and prioritize educational leadership competencies.