Factors Affecting the Transformational Leadership Role of Principals in Implementing ICT in Schools

Leadership is an important factor in the effective implementation of technology in schools. This study examines the transformational leadership role of principals to determine whether transformational leadership role of principals in ICT implementation in schools is influenced by the computer competence, level of computer use, and professional development activities of principals. This paper, based on responses from 320 principals in Iran, reports that computer use and professional development activities (on the dimension of ICT and leadership) influence the transformational leadership role of principals in implementing ICT in schools. In addition, the study results show that computer competence has a positive relationship with the level of computer use by secondary school principals and it indirectly influences the transformational leadership role of principals in implementing ICT in schools. It is suggested that ongoing professional development opportunities on dimension of leadership and technology should be provided for principals to increase their levels of proficiency in computer use which will help future research understand the importance of the use of technology in education and to learn to model the transformational leadership components of charisma (idealized influence), inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration in their schools. (Contains 7 tables and 1 figure.)