A Development of Digital Leadership Model for Primary School Principals in Henan

Abstract

This research aimed to (1) examine current status of digital leadership of primary school principals and digital conditions in primary schools in Henan; (2) identify and analyze the core factors influencing the effectiveness of digital leadership of primary school principals in Henan;(3) develop a digital leadership model for primary school principals in Henan.
The study assessed the core factors that influence the effectiveness of digital leadership of primary school principals in Henan Province, with a focus on the mediating role of digital management. The development model was developed based on Educational Change Theory, Leadership Development Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Self-Determination Theory. The model examines how digital vision planning, digital literacy of principals, and digital implementation assurance influenced digital management, which in turn affects the effectiveness of principal digital leadership, with teachers’ digital behavioral intention serving as a moderator.
A mixed-methods approach was utilized. The quantitative data were collected via 462 structured questionnaires, and descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were performed using AMOS 23.0, revealing that the relationships among variables were supported by hypothesis testing. In the qualitative phase, an exploration of research problems and questions was conducted through semi-structured interviews and Nvivo.14 software was used to conduct three-level coding analysis. Then, follow-up interviews found that the causal relationship was consistent with the actual situation. Further in-depth opinions were collected through focus group discussions to triangulate the quantitative analysis results, and 8 experts in education and management validated the model’s propriety, feasibility, and utility.
The model proposes a theoretical framework to enhance effectiveness of principal digital leadership through digital management and teachers’ digital behavioral intention, which effectively promote digital vision planning efficiency, digital management optimization, and digital implementation assurance development. The theoretical model can be applied in practice for primary school principals with the help of six steps of “Guidelines”, and it can help evaluate principal digital leadership and improve the effectiveness of the school’s digital development.

Keywords: Digital Leadership, Primary School Principals, Digital Management, Leadership Development, Effectiveness of Principal Digital Leadership