The Influence of Digital Self-Efficacy on Technology Leadership Competencies of School Principals: The Mediating Role of Work Motivation

AUTHOR(S)

SALIMAH H. H. OMAR, LPT, MAED

ABSTRACT

—— This study explores the relationships between digital technology self-efficacy, work motivation, and technology leadership competencies among school principals in three (3) school divisions of Northern Mindanao. A descriptive-causal research design utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine direct and indirect effects, with work motivation serving as a mediating variable. Using convenience sampling, the study involved 321 school principals and collected data via an online survey administered via Google Forms. The research instruments included a digital technology self-efficacy survey, the School Administrators’ Work Motivation Scale (SAWMS), and the Principals’ Technology Leadership Assessment (PTLA). The data were analyzed using JASP v.0.19.3 and AMOS v.21, with model fit indices indicating adequate fit and validity. The results reveal that school principals exhibit high digital technology self-efficacy, with a mean score of 3.70, indicating strong confidence in their ability to use digital technologies. Work motivation was found to be high across both internal and external dimensions, with an overall score of 3.81. The principals also demonstrated significant technology leadership competencies, particularly in leadership and vision, but showed room for improvement in supporting teachers’ technology use. SEM analysis showed that digital technology self-efficacy significantly affects both work motivation (β = 0.756, p < 0.001) and technology leadership competencies (β = 0.139, p < 0.01). Moreover, work motivation was found to significantly and partially mediate the relationship between self-efficacy and leadership competencies, with a substantial portion of the effect being indirect. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing both digital self-efficacy and work motivation in developing effective technology leadership among school principals. Keywords — Digital Technology Self-Efficacy, Technology Leadership Competencies, School Principals, School Administrators’ Work Motivation