The Role of Transformational Leadership in Managing Digital Transformation in Public Schools in South Al Batinah Governorate, Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

The current study aimed to reveal the role of transformational leadership in managing digital transformation in public schools in the Governorate of South Al Batinah in the Sultanate of Oman. The current study adopted the qualitative descriptive approach using the case study method. To answer the study questions, semi-structured interviews (individual, and focus group) were applied to a purposive sample from one of the public schools in the Governorate of South Al Batinah, including the school principal and (5) teachers from the administrative and teaching staff. The findings of the current study revealed that transformational leadership plays an effective role in managing digital transformation through adoption of a clear future vision and promotion of a culture of change and innovation. The findings revealed leadership practices supporting digital transformation, including: training programs, technical support, training needs assessment, motivating teachers, and strengthening professional partnerships. The findings revealed a positive impact of transformational leadership in raising teachers' motivation through motivation, psychological support, and providing learning and training opportunities. The findings identified technical and material challenges such as infrastructure and technical and financial support for digital applications and platforms, and human challenges such as disparity in digital skills among teachers, and increasing professional workload. In light of these findings, the current study recommended developing digital infrastructure, expanding professional development programs, strengthening professional learning communities, conducting further research, and providing sustainable financial and technical support by the Ministry of Education.