Agile Leadership in Thai Higher Education: Developing Administrators for the Digital Education Era
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Abstract
Background and Aim: This research investigated the nature of agile leadership within Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUT) administration, aiming to define its characteristics and components, and to propose development guidelines aligned with Thailand’s Higher Education Qualification Framework (TQF: HEEd) for the digital education era.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive mixed-methods research design was employed. The study involved 599 personnel from nine RMUT institutions, specifically 27 administrators and 572 faculty and staff, selected using multi-stage sampling. Primary data collection tools included questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data underwent exploratory factor analysis, while qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive content analysis. Findings were robustly validated through data triangulation and expert focus group discussions.
Results: The findings revealed that agile leadership is underpinned by three key characteristics: personal attributes, holistic organizational development, and the promotion of agile personnel potential. Furthermore, nine distinct components, encompassing 90 specific indicators, were identified. These components range from “Powerful Influence and Charisma” to “Digital Skills and Competency Development” and “Embracing New Perspectives and Lifelong Learning.” Practical development guidelines were formulated, proposing six key methods including self-directed learning, AI-assisted learning, and coaching. Critically, an effective development process was established using the PIERI framework: Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, Reflection, and Improvement.
Conclusion: This research provides a clear delineation of agile leadership, identifying its fundamental characteristics and detailed components. The proposed development guidelines, featuring diverse methods and a structured PIERI framework, offer a vital roadmap. These findings are intended to be integrated into annual policies and action plans, significantly enhancing RMUT administrators’ agile and adaptive leadership competencies. Ultimately, this will drive institutional excellence and ensure alignment with Thailand’s Higher Education Qualification framework (TQF: HEEd) in the dynamic digital landscape.
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