Experts’ Views on Leadership Capacities Essential for Building Creative and Competitive Schools

The current study aimed to identify the essential leadership competencies required for school leaders to achieve the vision of creative schools, with the objective of fostering innovative schools in Arab communities and enhancing their global competitiveness. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study employed the Delphi method to establish a consensus on leadership competencies through three iterative rounds. The sample comprised 14 experts, including five female academics, selected from Omani universities during the 2023–2024 academic year. Structured interviews were conducted, featuring one open-ended question alongside eight standardized questions for all participants. The findings revealed 12 essential leadership competencies and 46 specific indicators, with a high level of expert agreement confirmed through the Cooper equation. The study offers significant practical implications by providing a roadmap for educational policymakers and school administrators to enhance the quality of education and school performance. By focusing on the development of leadership competencies, the study supports schools in achieving the Creative School vision, increasing their competitiveness, and contributing to knowledge-based communities. Moreover, its outcomes serve as a foundation for professional development programs aimed at equipping educational leaders with the skills necessary to drive innovation, improve educational outcomes, and build a sustainable, knowledge-driven future. Received: 1 November 2024 / Accepted: 4 February 2025 / Published: 06 March 2025