Unpacking the Drivers and Barriers of Digital Leadership Practice in Education: A Study of High School Leaders' Experiences

Unpacking the Drivers and Barriers of Digital Leadership Practice in Education: A Study of High School Leaders’ Experiences

John Olayemi Okunlola

Issue: Vol.5 No. 7 September 2024 Article 3 pp.207-220
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2024573 | Published online 11th September, 2024.
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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ABSTRACT

In the age of digitalization, technology has become a driving force, transforming various sectors, including education. This study investigated the barriers and drivers influencing high school leaders’ engagement with digital technologies in high schools. Through a quantitative research approach, 220 high school leaders from Oyo State, Nigeria, participated in the study, providing data through structured questionnaires. The study’s theoretical framework is anchored on Lewin’s Three-Step Model of Change. Findings revealed significant barriers, such as inadequate training, resistance to change, and budgetary constraints, hindering the seamless integration of digital tools. However, despite these obstacles, leaders are motivated by potential benefits like enhanced communication, improved student outcomes, and future readiness to embrace digital leadership. The study underscores the critical role of leadership in fostering innovation, leveraging technology for strategic decision-making, and driving transformative change in educational institutions. Recommendations include prioritizing continuous professional development, proactively addressing barriers, fostering innovation, and developing clear digital strategies that align with organizational goals. These are crucial for successfully implementing digital leadership initiatives in high schools. This study provides empirical evidence on barriers and drivers influencing digital leadership practices among high school leaders, enriching existing literature on digital transformation and guiding effective strategies.

Keywords: Digital Leadership, Drivers, Barriers, Digital Transformation, High School Leaders

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AUTHOR(S)

John Olayemi Okunlola (PhD) is a Senior Postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Education Leadership and Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His research interests include quality assurance in education, human resource management, educational policy, conflict management, and leading in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

TO CITE ARTICLE

Okunlola, John Olayemi.”Unpacking the Drivers and Barriers of Digital Leadership Practice in Education: A Study of High School Leaders’ Experiences.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 5, no.7 (2024): 207-220. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2024573