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Navigating uncertainty: the role of VUCA and BANI frameworks in educational leadership strategies


Citation

Mohamad Halil, Farah Liyana and Abdul Aziz, Nor Azni and Hassan, Aminuddin (2025) Navigating uncertainty: the role of VUCA and BANI frameworks in educational leadership strategies. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9 (4). pp. 5925-5936. ISSN 2454-6186

Abstract

In a world marked by a rapid change and unpredictability, educational leaders must respond to complex challenges with adaptability and strategic vision. The VUCA framework – Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity – provides a structured lens for navigating uncertainty by promoting vision, understanding, clarity, and agility. However, the emotional and psychological toll of constant change also demands the insights of the BANI framework – Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible- which addresses fragility, anxiety, and sudden disruptions. This article critically examines how the integration of VUCA and BANI frameworks can enhance educational leadership strategies in times of stability. It highlights the need for adaptive leadership, innovation, stakeholder engagement, institutional trust, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. Integrating the principles of VUCA and BANI enables leaders to build agile leadership models that support participatory decision-making, resilience, and psychological well-being. The article also considers future directions for educational leadership, advocating for multidisciplinary research into the practical applications of these frameworks. It calls for policy reform to address the evolving demands of education systems in volatile environments. By drawing insights from both models, this article argues for leadership strategies that priorities adaptability, well-being, and institutional stability. Together, VUCA and BANI offer powerful tools for navigating complex educational landscapes and achieving sustainable, meaningful outcomes.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Educational Research
Subject: Management
Subject: Psychology
Divisions: Faculty of Educational Studies
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2025.90400423
Publisher: RSIS International
Keywords: Educational leadership; VUCA; BANI; Leadership strategies
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Depositing User: Ms. Nur Faseha Mohd Kadim
Date Deposited: 02 Jul 2026 07:45
Last Modified: 02 Jul 2026 07:45
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.47772/ijriss.2025.90400423
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/126733
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