Is the concept of e-leadership relevant to a physical school context? : a study of Maltese headteachers' use of digital tools

This study explores the concept of school electronic leadership (e-leadership) by investigating headteachers' perspectives on technology and its use within their schools. Technology is another layer being added to school leadership with studies mainly focusing on educational and emotional leadership. In view of this this study addresses the electronic aspect of school leadership. A new definition of e-leadership for school settings is provided, focusing on the range of tool-use and their purposes. The study involves interviews with 18 headteachers in middle and secondary state schools in Malta to investigate their individual experiences and interaction with these digital tools. Based on the findings of this thesis, technology was used extensively and seamlessly for daily managerial tasks, leading to greater efficiency. It was also noted that headteachers tended to delegate the use of digital tools for teaching and learning. Although these tools were considered essential for accomplishing managing and leading goals, they were leading to a significant intensification of work as instant communication increased expectations from all stakeholders. In effect, one of this study's recommendations reflects on the issues of well-being and impersonalisation created through the use of digital tools and encourages leaders to consider this factor in their staff's context. Furthermore, it was noted that digital tools were used erratically to lead the school vision, with technology mainly being used to communicate with educators and staff regarding processes and procedures. Thus, it was concluded that e-leadership should cover a blend of online and face-to-face interactions with a mix of tools for general purposes and school use. Following this study, recommendations of both an academic and practical nature are made. Action research in school e-leadership and blended research, and extended use of digital tools for educational leadership are suggested.