Year: 2026
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: School leadership plays a critical role in improving educational quality and school effectiveness. However, school leaders operate within complex contexts that may influence their ability to lead effectively. This study aimed to identify and synthesize the contextual challenges facing school leaders in the Kingdom of Bahrain through a systematic literature review. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, relevant studies published between 2017 and 2025 were identified through systematic searches of major academic databases. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using a review matrix and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that school leaders in Bahrain face a range of interconnected challenges that can be categorized into five major themes: organisational, professional, educational, socio-cultural, and resource-related challenges. Contextual challenges included weaknesses in self-evaluation, strategic planning, delegation of authority, and administrative workload. Professional challenges centered on leadership preparation, professional development, and instructional leadership competencies. Educational challenges involved student achievement gaps, technology integration, and school improvement efforts. Socio-cultural challenges reflected the influence of parental involvement, cultural expectations, and local leadership values. Resource-related challenges were associated with the utilization of facilities, technology, and support systems. The review suggests that school leadership in Bahrain is influenced by multiple contextual factors that extend beyond individual leadership capabilities. The findings suggest that addressing these challenges may benefit from integrated policies, context-sensitive leadership development programmes, and strengthened organisational support systems.
Source: Frontiers in Education
Author: Moosa Jaafar Fateel
Institution: University of Bahrain
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W7204864543