School Principals’ Perspectives and Leadership Styles for Digital Transformation : A Q-Methodology Study

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Sunday 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Digital Transformation and Educational Leadership

Abstract

This study employs Q-methodology to examine Chinese K-12 school principals’ attitudes toward digital transformation and their role perceptions. Data were collected from 23 principals through Q-sorts and follow-up interviews, revealing four leadership archetypes: (a) Cautious Observation - Technological Gatekeeping Leadership; (b) Moderate Ambition - Culturally Transformative Leadership; (c) Moderate Ambition - Emotionally Empowering Leadership; (d) High Ambition - Exemplary Leadership. Despite the diversity in leadership styles, there were several consensus statements. The findings indicate that principals’ leadership styles are influenced by the school’s developmental and institutional contexts, as well as the Confucian cultural environment. This study provides valuable insights into the leadership styles of Chinese principals in the context of digital transformation and offers tailored leadership support recommendations.

Authors

• peili yuan, 北京师范大学

• xinshen chen, Beijing Normal University

• 昱泽 陈, Tsinghua University

• Huan Song, Beijing Normal University

• Xingzhou Wang, Beijing Normal University