What is it about?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in education, but most research focuses on teaching and learning rather than how AI affects educational management and leadership. This study reviews existing research to understand how AI is being used to support management functions such as strategic planning, administrative decision-making, and data governance in educational institutions. The review shows that AI can help educational leaders analyse data, improve organisational efficiency, and support decision-making. However, successful use of AI requires more than technology adoption. Educational leaders must also develop AI literacy, address ethical issues such as bias and privacy, and establish clear governance frameworks. This study proposes a conceptual framework explaining how AI applications, governance mechanisms, and leadership capabilities interact in educational management. The findings highlight the importance of responsible AI governance to ensure that AI supports educational values, protects student data, and avoids reinforcing social inequalities.
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Why is it important?
While artificial intelligence (AI) is widely discussed in education, most existing research focuses on teaching and learning. This study addresses a critical gap by examining how AI transforms educational management and leadership. It provides a comprehensive conceptual framework linking AI applications, governance mechanisms, and leadership capabilities — areas that are often studied separately. The findings are especially timely as educational institutions worldwide are accelerating digital transformation but still lack clear strategies for responsible AI adoption. This research offers practical insights for decision-makers, helping leaders improve efficiency, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and build governance frameworks that ensure ethical and sustainable use of AI in education.
Perspectives
From my perspective, the future of education will not only depend on adopting AI technologies, but on how effectively institutions integrate AI into their governance and leadership practices. Through my work in educational training and collaboration with organizations, I have observed that many institutions invest in AI tools but struggle with strategic alignment, data governance, and ethical considerations. This study reflects my interest in bridging that gap — moving from technology adoption to responsible and effective AI-enabled management. I hope this research can support educational leaders in making more informed, ethical, and impactful decisions in the age of AI.
Manh Trong Nguyen
Master Learning Hub Academy
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Artificial intelligence in educational management: a conceptual review of leadership and governance implications, Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, April 2026, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/jarhe-01-2026-0092.
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