TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP: CATALYZING EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION IN VOCATIONAL COLLEGES OF PULAU PINANG

Abstract

The rapid advancements in social and technological spheres necessitate continuous reforms and modifications within the education system. Similar to other higher educational institutions, vocational colleges are actively implementing reform and transformation initiatives, which drive the demand for innovation within the classroom. This study explores the influence of transformational leadership on the innovative approaches employed by vocational lecturers in Pulau Pinang. While the significance of innovation in vocational education is widely acknowledged, there is limited understanding of the specific impact that leadership styles have on this dynamic. This research investigates the relationship between transformational leadership and the extent of innovation among instructors in vocational education. Utilizing a survey methodology, this study employed a set of questionnaires encompassing both transformational leadership and educational innovation variables. A sample of 229 lecturers was randomly selected, comprising 144 female and 85 male lecturers. The findings indicate a high level of educational innovation in vocational colleges, with PLS-SEM analysis revealing that transformational leadership significantly enhances the adoption of creative teaching strategies. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of educational leadership and innovation while providing practical insights for policymakers and educational leaders aiming to foster innovation in vocational education, particularly in Malaysia.