european journal of social sciences issn: 1450-2267 - EuroJournals
european journal of social sciences issn: 1450-2267 - EuroJournals
european journal of social sciences issn: 1450-2267 - EuroJournals
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European Journal <strong>of</strong> Social Sciences – Volume 5, Number 3 (2007)<br />
Transformational Leadership Style and Information<br />
Communication Technology<br />
Mojgan Afshari<br />
Faculty <strong>of</strong> Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia<br />
E-mail: mojganafshari@yahoo.com<br />
Kamariah Abu Bakar<br />
Faculty <strong>of</strong> Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia<br />
E-mail: kamarab@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Wong Su Luan<br />
Faculty <strong>of</strong> Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia<br />
E-mail: suluan@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Foo Say Fooi<br />
Faculty <strong>of</strong> Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia<br />
E-mail: foosf@putra.upm.edu.my<br />
Bahaman Abu Samah<br />
Faculty <strong>of</strong> Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia<br />
E-mail: drbas@educ.upm.edu.my<br />
Abstract<br />
Without the support <strong>of</strong> school principals, the educational potential <strong>of</strong> Information and<br />
Communication Technology may not be realized. Principals play a vital role in promoting<br />
ICT use in school. Hence, they should have the ability to effectively use technology as a<br />
communication tool, a management tool, and a decision making tool. The effective use <strong>of</strong><br />
these tools can help principals increase their instructional and managerial efficiency. A<br />
wide range <strong>of</strong> factors has been found to affect principals’ use <strong>of</strong> ICT. Of these,<br />
transformational leadership style has been identified as being one <strong>of</strong> the most important.<br />
However little is known about this style and ICT use by principals. This paper, therefore,<br />
reviews empirical and selected conceptual research on the role <strong>of</strong> principals in ICT<br />
implementation, factors which influence ICT use and transformational leadership style.<br />
Researchers and school leaders will find this information useful in developing their own<br />
inquiry and improving their understanding <strong>of</strong> this important management issue.<br />
Keywords: Information and Communication Technology, Principal, Transformational<br />
Leadership Style<br />
1. Introduction<br />
Technology involves the application <strong>of</strong> knowledge, resource materials, tools and skills in designing,<br />
producing and using products and it is also used to extend human capability to control and modify<br />
natural and human-made environments (Raizen et al, 1995). Hence, it is imperative for principals and<br />
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