Managing school culture for sustainable digital transformation

Authors

  • Hoang Thi Tam National Academy of Education Management, Hanoi City, Vietnam

Keywords:

school culture, digital leadership, digital transformation, organizational learning, sustainable education, educational management

Abstract

This study examines the role of school culture in promoting sustainable digital transformation from an educational management perspective. Using a conceptual research approach, the study synthesizes recent international literature on digital transformation, school culture, digital leadership, organizational learning, and sustainable education to develop an integrated framework for managing school culture. The findings indicate that sustainable digital transformation extends beyond technological adoption and should be understood as a continuous process of organizational and cultural development. The study identifies five essential cultural dimensions that support sustainable digital transformation, including shared vision and digital values, collaborative professional learning, innovation and organizational learning, trust and organizational commitment, and sustainability-oriented organizational culture. It further highlights digital leadership as the driving force that shapes school culture and promotes organizational learning, thereby enabling sustainable educational innovation. Based on these findings, the study proposes a conceptual framework linking digital leadership, school culture, organizational learning, and sustainable digital transformation. The framework provides a theoretical foundation for future empirical research while offering practical guidance for school leaders seeking to develop adaptive, innovative, and sustainable educational organizations in the digital era.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Elbolok, R. M., Alshafie, W. F., Eldalash, S. A., Mohamed, H. M., & Sabaa, S. M. (2025). The role of digital transformation in enhancing sustainable innovation: The mediating effect of digital organizational culture in higher education institutions. Journal of Management, 4, 104-116.

Mohamed Hashim, M. A., Tlemsani, I., & Duncan Matthews, R. (2022). A sustainable university: Digital transformation and beyond. Education and Information Technologies, 27(7), 8961-8996.

Prabawati, I., Utami, W. S., Megawati, S., Indrasetianingsih, A., & Sudirman, S. (2025). Fostering achievement of sustainable development goals through green culture and digital transformation: Empirical evidence from an Indonesian education human resources university. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 23(3), 95.

Purnomo, E. N., Imron, A., Wiyono, B. B., Sobri, A. Y., & Dami, Z. A. (2024). Transformation of digital-based school culture: Implications of change management on virtual learning environment integration. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2303562.

Vičič Krabonja, M., Kustec, S., Skrbinjek, V., Aberšek, B., & Flogie, A. (2024). Innovative professional learning communities and sustainable education practices through digital transformation. Sustainability, 16(14), 6250.

Connolly, C., O’Brien, E., & O’Ceallaigh, T. J. (2026). Ensuring knowledge sustainability in a digital era: empowering digital transformation through digital educational leadership. Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 31(1), 175-191.

Kanakoglou, K. G., & Kafetzopoulos, D. (2025). Towards Sustainable Organizations: The Interplay of Digital Transformation, Leadership, and Organizational Culture: Evidence from Greek Firms. Systems, 14(1), 35.

Hairani, E., Winarno, A., & Hermana, D. (2025). Enhancing Leadership for Sustainable Digital Transformation: Insights from Secondary Schools. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(2), 2903-2922.

Genga, C. A., & Babalola, S. S. (2025). Digital transformation: The need for a sustainable green culture in African higher education institutions. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE), 18(1), 109-130.

Phakamach, P., Panjarattanakorn, D., & Onsampant, S. (2023). Conceptualization and development of digital leadership to drive corporate digital transformation for sustainable success. International Journal of Educational Communications and Technology, 3(2), 30-42.

Alojail, M., & Khan, S. B. (2023). Impact of digital transformation toward sustainable development. Sustainability, 15(20), 14697.

Singun, A. J. (2025). Unveiling the barriers to digital transformation in higher education institutions: a systematic literature review. Discover Education, 4(1), 37.

Thuy, P. T., & Quang, V. H. (2025). Digital transformation in school management toward smart learning environments. Tennessee Research International of Social Sciences, 7(2), 196-211.

Nguyen, S. H. (2024). Digital Transformation Policies in Education: Practical Experiences in Vietnam. VNU Journal of Science: Education Research, 40(3).

Trang, N. T. H., & Nguyen, P. T. (2025). Enhancing Political Theory Education through Digital Transformation: An Educational Technology Framework for Vietnam's Provincial Political Schools. Educational Process: International Journal, 19, e2025578.

Downloads

Published

2026-07-17

How to Cite

Tam, H. T. (2026). Managing school culture for sustainable digital transformation. Tennessee Research International of Social Sciences, 8(2), 43–54. Retrieved from http://triss.org/index.php/journal/article/view/162

Issue

Section

Research Articles