Development Of an Adaptive Leadership Model for Enhancing the Learning Adaptability of Students Majoring in Advertising Design at Vocational Colleges of Guangdong Province, China
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Abstract
This study aimed to (1) identify the core dimensions of adaptive leadership and learning adaptability among advertising design students in vocational colleges in Guangdong Province, China; (2) assess their current levels; (3) examine the predictive effect of adaptive leadership on learning adaptability; (4) develop an adaptive leadership model to enhance learning adaptability; and (5) evaluate the model’s effectiveness. A mixed-methods research design was employed. Questionnaires were distributed to 290 students, of which 270 valid responses were retained for quantitative analysis. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to examine students’ levels and the predictive relationships between variables. Expert consultation informed model development, and a 16-week quasi-experimental intervention involving 82 students was evaluated using paired-samples t-tests.
The findings revealed that students demonstrated moderate levels of adaptive leadership and upper-moderate levels of learning adaptability, with Change-Coping and Autonomous Learning Adaptability representing the weakest dimensions. Adaptive leadership significantly and positively predicted learning adaptability, explaining 51% of its variance. Change-Coping was the strongest predictor, followed by Problem-Solving, Self-Awareness, and Interpersonal Relationships. Based on these findings, a localized three-stage cyclical adaptive leadership cultivation model was developed. The quasi-experimental evaluation involving 82 students demonstrated significant improvements across all dimensions of learning adaptability following the intervention. This study contributes localized empirical evidence to vocational advertising design education in Guangdong Province and provides a systematic, practical framework for enhancing students’ learning adaptability and employability in the AIGC-driven creative industry.
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