Exploring Strategic Leadership in the Adoption Journey: A Qualitative Study of the Five Stages of Diffusion of Innovation Theory in Education

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the experiences of strategic leaders in acquiring and sharing knowledge about innovative practices during the initial stages of adoption. It focused on their experiences in persuading key stakeholders and decision-makers of the value and benefits of adopting innovative practices in education, and determining how they contribute to the decision-making process regarding the adoption of educational innovations. The study drew on the leaders' experiences in assessing risks, benefits, and organizational readiness, utilizing their experiences to guide and support effective execution, and assessing the long-term impacts and sustainability of adopted innovations in education, thereby influencing future decision-making and strategic planning. Using purposive sampling, data were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with selected school principals. Seventeen themes emerged from the participants' insights on innovative practices as strategic leaders: strategic leadership for innovation adoption, dynamic learning ecosystems, proactive knowledge acquisition by strategic leaders, effective communication strategies for persuading stakeholders in educational innovative adoption, overcoming challenges in persuading stakeholders for educational innovation, mitigating resistance, building consensus for educational innovation, overcoming barriers in the decision-making process, informed risk assessment, collaborative action, fostering sustainability, collaborative problem-solving, multi-faceted evaluation, building a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision making, leading the change, intentionality for sustainability, and continuous learning journey for effective diffusion of innovation. The findings contribute to understanding the complexities involved in the adoption and diffusion of educational innovations, highlighting the critical role of strategic leaders in navigating this process.