Digital Leadership and Its Role in Change Management at the Palestinian Higher Education Institutions

Higher education institutions in the Gaza Strip face persistent structural and operational challenges caused by prolonged instability, limited resources, and recurrent disruptions, making organizational change and digital transformation difficult to sustain. This study examines the role of digital leadership in enhancing change management within Palestinian higher education institutions, focusing on how technology-driven leadership behaviors strengthen institutional adaptability in fragile environments. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to academic and administrative staff across several universities, yielding 283 valid responses. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the influence of four dimensions of digital leadership: visionary leadership, digital learning culture, digital citizenship, and systematic development on change management outcomes. The results indicate that digital leadership has a significant and positive effect on change management, with visionary leadership emerging as the strongest predictor. These findings highlight the importance of clear digital direction, continuous learning, and responsible digital practices in advancing organizational transformation. The study further shows that digital leadership is firmly embedded within Palestinian higher education institutions and contributes meaningfully to the navigation of contextual constraints. Overall, the research underscores the strategic necessity of institutionalizing digital leadership practices to support digital transformation, enhance organizational resilience, and sustain effective change management in crisis-affected higher education systems.

Digital leadership, Change management, Palestinian universities

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