UNVEILING THE CHALLENGES OF STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP: PERSPECTIVES FROM MALAYSIAN RURAL SCHOOL LEADERS

This article explores the strategic leadership challenges rural school leaders encounter in Malaysia. Utilizing a qualitative methodology using interviews on three rural school leaders as participants was applied to obtain an in-depth understanding of their experiences. Data from interviews were subsequently analyzed thematically. The qualitative analysis reveals detailed descriptions of the challenges faced by these leaders, categorized into three primary factors: school factor, teacher factor, and student factor. Five themes emerged as key challenges to strategic leadership in rural schools: (i) the absence of ICT infrastructure and equipment, (ii) insufficient professionalism among school leaders, (iii) the influence of parental and community factors, (iv) teacher attitudes, and (v) student personalities. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on strategic leadership in education, with a specific focus on primary and secondary levels in rural settings. By illuminating the multifaceted challenges faced by rural school leaders, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educational practitioners, and researchers aiming to improve leadership effectiveness and educational outcomes in rural areas