MIDDLE LEADERS IN EDUCATIONAL REFORM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DEFINITIONS, ROLES, AND CHALLENGES (2020–2025)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJMOE.829014Keywords:
Digital Capabilities, Information Technology, Middle Leaders, Organizational Reform, Role AmbiguityAbstract
The integration of information technology is reshaping the organizational structure and management of schools. In this context, as the key link between senior managers and teachers, middle leaders face increasing responsibilities and challenges. However, systematic research on them is still limited. This article reviews 29 empirical and review articles in the Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2020 to 2025, focusing on the definition, roles, and challenges of middle leaders. The study found that middle leaders are both educators, executors, and change agents, but they generally face problems of role ambiguity, insufficient resources, and imbalance of power and responsibility. Although few studies have directly explored their digital capabilities, most literature still implies that they need to be highly adaptable in technology integration and organizational reform. Future research should further focus on their development paths and support mechanisms in the context of digitalization.
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