Modern approaches to the development of leadership qualities among academic and pedagogical staff: the role of management in education

Abstract

The study focuses on the analysis of modern approaches to leadership development in education. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of modern approaches to the development of leadership qualities among academic and pedagogical staff and to elaborate on the optimal model applicable to the education sector. During the study, the mixed-method approach was applied. The participants were academic and pedagogical staff employed in three Ukrainian institutions of higher education. The sample consists of the experimental group (n = 43) and control group (n = 48). To verify the hypotheses, the Analysis of Variance method was used. The results showed that leadership development in education is implemented through formal training, workshops, mentoring, coaching, action learning, and peer learning. The results showed that the efficiency of the development of leadership qualities among academic and pedagogical staff depends on the selection of a relevant approach. Also, understanding the specific challenges, the educational institutions tailor leadership development initiatives to address the opportunities for enhancement of the educational process. Additionally, the analysis allows academic and pedagogical staff to improve the effectiveness of their leadership functions within the educational environment. Therefore, certain educational interventions were described: practice-oriented program, interactivity and engagement, remote learning, integration of digital technologies, identifying leadership qualities and assessment of skills gaps, development of specific qualities, and considering participants’ individual needs and preferences. The research findings may be used to enhance the leadership competence of academic and pedagogical staff. Also, the findings may improve the curriculum of training of future educational managers.