DEVELOPMENT OF A DIGITAL LEADERSHIP COMPETENCY MODEL FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN MALAYSIA: A NEEDS ANALYSIS

Abstract

The digital era has brought significant changes to the education sector, placing school principals in a crucial role as digital leaders. This study, part of the first phase of the Design and Development Research (DDR) approach, aims to (1) explore the challenges faced by school principals as digital leaders and (2) analyze the need for developing a digital leadership competency model for school principals in Malaysia. Through semi-structured interviews with five field experts selected via purposive sampling, including digital leadership specialists and school leaders, the research identifies key challenges in integrating technology into schools. These challenges span technical, cultural, financial, and operational domains, with notable issues such as a digital skills gap among teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and financial constraints. Further difficulties arise from the lack of continuous technical support, resistance from parents and the community, and shifting attitudes toward technology. Constraints in providing ongoing training complicate digital leadership efforts while ensuring a secure digital environment remains a priority. The study also outlines essential components for an effective digital leadership competency model, including clear guidelines for leadership, a self-assessment tool for principals, and frameworks addressing ethics and cybersecurity. Collaboration, building networks, and community engagement are vital for overcoming these barriers. This study emphasizes the importance of equipping school leaders with the tools, training, and support necessary to lead successful digital transformations in education.