Leading in times of crisis: evidence of digital transformational leadership among Arab female educational leaders

Author First name, Last name, Institution

Sandra Baroudi, Zayed University

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

International Journal of Leadership in Education

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Abstract

During the pandemic, educational leaders had to suddenly deal with unprecedented changes that teaching and learning environment has undergone. In times of crisis, leaders’ control of emotions, the quality of relationship between them and the team, and the value congruence play a significant role. In the Arab world, however, cultural, national and sociological contexts largely impact female leaders’ values, beliefs and behaviors. Hence, it is significant to explore these leaders’ behaviors and practices in times of crisis, the factors that helped them cope with the sudden changes and lead digitally, and the extent that the dimensions of the transformational leadership style had on their performance. Through eight semi-structured interviews, results revealed practices of Arab female educational digital transformational leadership that helped them maintain their own and their organization’s performance during the Covid-19 pandemic. These practices include, building relationships, motivating and recognizing team efforts, open communication, adaptability, a strong sense of emotional intelligence and self-control. While these leaders consider themselves democratic and transformational leaders, an emergent theme showed that they implemented the changes as a coercive activity. This study suggests for policy-makers to form strategies and policies that would increase teachers’ leadership skills in preparation for potential leadership positions.

ISSN

1360-3124

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

Covid-19 pandemic, digital transformational leadership, educational leadership and management, female leadership, Leadership in times of crisis

Scopus ID

85135449377

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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