Systematic Review on the 21st Century School Leadership: A Strategic Model

Abstract: In a world of challenges on leadership models, augmented workforces of school heads, leveled educational organizations, and an ongoing shift to team-based work practices, organizations are challenging school leaders to step up and show the way forward. This study focuses on the process of data extraction and synthesis for qualitative systematic reviews regarding school leaders in the 21st century. The main purpose is to generate a strategic model using an inductive approach that would explain the phenomenon of leadership styles. The specific objective is to make an in-depth review of the nineteen published studies pertaining to school leadership in terms of aims, methodology, participants, instruments, and outcomes. This systematic review used meta-synthesis to focus on the relevance of leadership portrayed by principals in the basic education program from 2014 to 2022 included 19 studies. The studies were selected for systematic review using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist and structured using the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. The thematic analysis results in nine themes and three meta-themes. Themes 1 to 3 were factors on the successes of the 21st-century school heads in total quality leadership, themes 4 to 6 were factors as encountered trials of the school heads in total quality leadership in the 21st century, and the remaining themes 7 to 9 were factors on empowering stakeholders toward total quality leadership among school heads in the 21st century. In conclusion, school leaders are faced with many challenges in running organizations. Over the several years, the definitions, descriptions, expectations, and styles of leadership have evolved and will continue to do so. What was true concerning leadership in the past may no longer hold today, and what is true today may not be so in the future. Thus, it is recommended that educational leaders establish a three-year comprehensive and strategic plan for school leaders for them to be in tune with their teams and be willing to adjust to the times. Keywords: leadership models, school heads, strategic plan, 21st- century leadership