Identifying the Components of Smart Leadership in Higher Education (Case Study: of Islamic Azad Universities in Tehran Province)

Abstract

This study aims to identify the components and dimensions of smart leadership in higher education, focusing on Islamic Azad Universities in Tehran Province. This qualitative research utilized thematic analysis. The participants included 16 higher education experts selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Attride-Stirling theoretical coding method. The analysis involved three stages of coding: basic themes, organizing themes, and global themes, to develop a conceptual framework for smart leadership in the studied universities. The results revealed that out of 243 extracted themes, 59 key components of smart leadership were identified and categorized into 18 overarching dimensions. The most significant dimensions included utilizing human capital effectively, comprehensive decision-making ability, strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, high cognitive capacity, social and ethical responsibility, adaptability to environmental changes, and recognizing strategies for implementing smart leadership. Additionally, challenges such as resistance to change, traditional management practices, and resource constraints were identified as obstacles to implementing smart leadership. The findings suggest that smart leadership in higher education requires a combination of individual competencies, strategic management approaches, technological integration, and adaptability to environmental changes. This study recommends that universities enhance smart leadership by developing supportive policies, educational programs, and appropriate managerial infrastructures.