Enhancing leadership effectiveness through technology in educational institutions

Abstract

This study examines the impact of technology on leadership effectiveness within Saudi Arabian higher education, focusing on institutions in Jeddah. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines survey data from 350 teachers and interviews with 20 educational leaders across four universities (two public and two private). The research explores how technology influences decision-making, organizational efficiency and communication among leaders, while also identifying significant challenges to technology integration. Findings highlight technology’s transformative potential, demonstrating its positive effects on administrative efficiency, collaboration, and instructional support. However, barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, faculty resistance, and unequal access to digital resources hinder effective integration. Educational leaders emphasize the importance of strategic investment in infrastructure, ongoing professional development to strengthen digital literacy, and policies that ensure equitable access to technology. The study’s implications extend globally, offering valuable insights for educational leaders and policymakers. By effectively leveraging technology, institutions can enhance leadership capabilities, improve educational outcomes, and better prepare students for a digital future. This research underscores that addressing infrastructural, training, and policy-related challenges is essential for maximizing technology’s role in advancing educational leadership effectiveness worldwide.