Abstract:

This article seeks to advance the understanding of education and educational leadership by examining the role of strategic leadership within the educational context. By reviewing existing literature on leadership, strategy, educational leadership, and strategic leadership, this study current increasing challenges faced by educational institutions on both national and international scales. The rapid transformations within the educational sector and its external environment over recent decades underscore the critical relevance of this research. The study employs a qualitative and conceptual methodology to investigate the reasons for and challenges associated with implementing strategic leadership in education. It presents a thorough analysis of how strategic leadership can influence the development of school-specific visions and strategic plans, aiming to address emerging trends and external pressures. The findings emphasize the significance of strategic educational leadership in responding to the challenges and adapting to the evolving educational landscape. The research highlights a notable gap in the current theoretical frameworks, which are predominantly business-oriented and do not fully address the unique needs of educational institutions. Consequently, there is a compelling need to develop strategic leadership models and frameworks specifically designed for the educational sector. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that while strategic leadership concepts are often derived from business contexts, they are both essential and adaptable to educational settings. By providing a clearer understanding of strategic leadership in education, this research contributes valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers striving to enhance educational outcomes and institutional effectiveness.

Keywords:

Education, leadership, strategy, educational leadership, strategic leadership.