Understanding Leadership for Learning of School Leaders in Disadvantaged Areas in the Context of Education Reform in Vietnam

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the interrelationships between leaders’ personal traits, leadership behaviors, and leadership competencies for learning. This quantitative study utilizes structural equation modeling to analyze survey data collected from 563 school leaders across primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools situated in disadvantaged regions of Vietnam. Study participants from disadvantaged areas in Vietnam completed 20-item questionnaires, providing their perspectives on leader traits, leadership behaviors, and competencies related to leadership for learning. The findings revealed a positive correlation between leaders’ personal traits, leadership behaviors, and leadership competencies regarding learning. The research model successfully explained 54.70% of the variance in leadership competencies for learning. The results indicate instructional leadership behaviors have the most significant influence on competencies of leadership for learning, followed by shared leadership behaviors and transformational leadership behaviors. This highlights the integral role of school leaders in effectively implementing new curricula in Vietnam and advancing positive change, especially in disadvantaged schools. These insights hold practical implications for developing impactful leadership strategies in educational institutions to benefit students and shape a brighter future for Vietnam’s educational landscape.