Structural Relationships Between Digital Leadership and Teachers’ Willingness to Accept Change: The Mediating Role of Strategic Decision-Making

Document Type : Quantitative Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student of Semnan University

2 Semnan University Faculty

3 faculty member of Semnan University

10.22034/jsa.2026.145066.2628

Abstract

In contemporary educational environments, teachers’ willingness to accept change is recognized as a pivotal determinant of successful educational transformation. Digital leadership and strategic decision-making play influential roles in fostering this willingness. Digital leadership leverages technology and cultivates a culture of continuous learning. At the same time, strategic decision-making provides forward-looking analysis and stakeholder engagement, thereby creating conditions that enhance teachers’ readiness to embrace innovation and educational change. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine the structural relationships between digital leadership and teachers’ willingness to accept change, with strategic decision-making serving as a mediating variable. This study employed a descriptive-correlational design with a purposeful approach, utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of all lower- and upper-secondary school teachers in Noor County (N = 620) during the 2023–2024 academic year. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 237 teachers was selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring digital leadership, strategic decision-making, and willingness to accept change. The reliability coefficients for these instruments were 0.92, 0.79, and 0.89, respectively. Data analysis included correlation matrices and structural equation modeling. Findings indicated that digital leadership had a direct and significant relationship with both strategic decision-making and teachers’ willingness to accept change. Strategic decision-making also directly predicted willingness to accept change. Furthermore, digital leadership indirectly influenced willingness to accept change through the mediating role of strategic decision-making. These findings underscore the importance of empowering educational leaders in digital leadership and strategic decision-making to facilitate innovation and change within schools.

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Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 21 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 17 March 2026

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