Deconstructing Leadership in the Post-Industrial Era: A Comparative Study of Traditional Leadership Styles and Digital Leadership Practices in High Schools

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Deconstructing Leadership in the Post-Industrial Era: A Comparative Study of Traditional Leadership Styles and Digital Leadership Practices in High Schools
Language: English
Authors: John Olayemi Okunlola (ORCID 0000-0001-7234-0504), Suraiya Rathankoomar Naicker (ORCID 0000-0003-3796-5028)
Source: European Journal of STEM Education. 2025 10(1).
Availability: Lectito Journals. Wassenaarseweb 20, 2596 CH, The Hague, The Netherlands. Tel: 31-70-2190600; e-mail: info@lectitojournals.com; Web site: http://www.lectitopublishing.nl
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Leadership Styles, Instructional Leadership, High Schools, School Administration, Principals, Assistant Principals, Department Heads, Foreign Countries, Digital Literacy, Educational Change, Innovation
Geographic Terms: Nigeria
ISSN: 2468-1954
2468-4368
Abstract: Leadership in high schools is undergoing a transformative shift as educational institutions adapt to the digital age. This study investigates the evolution of leadership styles from traditional to digital paradigms within the context of high schools. It examines how traditional leadership styles characterized by hierarchical authority and structured decision-making contrast with digital leadership practices, emphasizing technological integration, collaboration, and adaptability. The Complex Leadership Theory (CTL) serves as the theoretical foundation for the study. The study employed a correlation research design with a multi-stage sampling of 231 high school leaders in Oyo State, Nigeria, through structured questionnaires assessing their perceptions of traditional and digital leadership approaches. Two research questions were raised, and two hypotheses were formulated. Findings revealed traditional leadership's emphasis on structure and authority while acknowledging its limitations in fostering innovation and collaboration. In contrast, digital leadership practices were perceived as more effective in navigating the complexities of modern educational environments, with a strong focus on technological advancement and team-based approaches. The study finds a significant relationship between traditional and digital leadership styles, suggesting that elements of both can coexist effectively. The study concludes that integrating traditional and digital leadership could offer a balanced and responsive approach to contemporary educational leadership challenges.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1491188
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Leadership in high schools is undergoing a transformative shift as educational institutions adapt to the digital age. This study investigates the evolution of leadership styles from traditional to digital paradigms within the context of high schools. It examines how traditional leadership styles characterized by hierarchical authority and structured decision-making contrast with digital leadership practices, emphasizing technological integration, collaboration, and adaptability. The Complex Leadership Theory (CTL) serves as the theoretical foundation for the study. The study employed a correlation research design with a multi-stage sampling of 231 high school leaders in Oyo State, Nigeria, through structured questionnaires assessing their perceptions of traditional and digital leadership approaches. Two research questions were raised, and two hypotheses were formulated. Findings revealed traditional leadership's emphasis on structure and authority while acknowledging its limitations in fostering innovation and collaboration. In contrast, digital leadership practices were perceived as more effective in navigating the complexities of modern educational environments, with a strong focus on technological advancement and team-based approaches. The study finds a significant relationship between traditional and digital leadership styles, suggesting that elements of both can coexist effectively. The study concludes that integrating traditional and digital leadership could offer a balanced and responsive approach to contemporary educational leadership challenges.
ISSN:2468-1954
2468-4368