Educational Managers' Competencies in Turbulent Environments (A Meta-Synthesis Study)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Educational Planning and Administration, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Faculty of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/ijms.2025.385092.677146

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify key competencies required by educational managers operating in turbulent environments. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, assessed full-text articles for eligibility, extracted data, and appraised the quality of included studies. Sandelowski and Barroso's (2007) two-step meta-synthesis approach and Naeem and colleagues' (2023) thematic analysis framework were used to analyze and interpret findings from included studies. The quality of these selected documents were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool to ensure robust and credible insights. The findings reveal that educational managers in turbulent environments require a comprehensive set of competencies across five major domains: Organizational Competencies (strategic and data-driven decision-making, leadership and continuous capacity building, quality assurance in teaching and learning processes, orchestrating learning experiences, and building capacity for blended learning models), Situational Competencies (contingency policymaking, strategic coherence, managing complexity and change, facilitating digital transformation, and maintaining environmental intelligence and awareness), analytical Competencies (cognitive maturity and situational analysis), Communicative competencies (networking, constructive participation, coordination, promoting social cohesion, and providing professional support) and Individual Competencies (self-development, resilience, professionalism, and ethical orientation). This study contributes to the existing literature by identifying and categorizing the competencies that underpin effective educational management in turbulent environments.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Studies
Volume 18, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 565-581

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