Strategic Adaptive Leadership Development of Administrators of Eastern Vocational Education Institutions toward Excellence: A Focus on Thailand’s Vocational Education Management 4.0 Policy

Abstract

Abstract

            This research aimed to (1) identify the characteristics of strategic adaptive leadership development of administrators of eastern vocational education institutions toward excellence in accordance with Thailand’s vocational education management 4.0 policy, (2) analyze the elements of strategic adaptive leadership of administrators of eastern vocational education institutions, and (3) propose a guideline for the development of strategic adaptive leadership of administrators of eastern vocational education institutions toward excellence in vocational education management.  The researchers used (1) documentary analysis, (2) empirical data from 15 successful administrators’ in-depth interviews, and (3) a questionnaire on three aspects of strategic adaptive leadership: (i) personal characteristics, (ii) work developed toward excellence, and (iii) personnel development and adaptation to the new normal. The data were collected from a sample of 622 persons--executives and personnel of vocational education institutions in Eastern Thailand. The obtained data were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis, tested by data triangulation methodology technique, and confirmation of a guideline drafted by the connoisseurship approach. The research results indicated that the strategic adaptive leadership of administrators of eastern vocational education institutions toward excellence contained nine elements: (1) charisma leadership and inspirational motivation, (2) individualized consideration and working as a team, (3) creating an innovative educational organization, (4) adaptive strategy and challenges, (5) building a positive corporate culture, (6) creating a creative corporate atmosphere and shared values, (7) innovative leadership maturity, (8) mindset modification and intellectual stimulation,  and (9) digital skills development toward excellence. The findings were expected to guide the adaptive leadership development of executive competencies in the nine dimensions to achieve excellence in vocational education management as stated in the 4.0 Policy of Thailand.

 Keywords:  Strategic adaptive leadership, administrator, vocational education institution, vocational education, Thailand’s 4.0 Policy