The Role of School Administrators from “Directive Leadership” to “Innovative Leadership” in the Digital Transition Era
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Abstract
This academic article aims to: 1) analyze the shift in the role of school administrators from decision-makers to innovation leaders within the context of the transition to a digital educational society; and 2) present the redefined role of school administrators as innovation leaders in that same context. The focus is on integrating leadership capacity, strategic vision, and participatory management. It proposes an analytical framework that covers co-creating a digital vision, developing an organizational culture of learning and innovation, purposefully using digital technologies to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, and strengthening mechanisms for teacher and stakeholder participation in policy-level decision-making. The article further outlines the role of administrators in the digital era as change leaders who balance academic leadership, innovation leadership, and professional ethical standards. This role transition is not merely a technical adaptation but a paradigmatic change essential for improving educational quality, learning management capacity, and the sustainability of the education system in a digital society.
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