The role of smart leadership in predicting future risks: An applied study on employees of the Family Protection Department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Madinah

This study aimed to explore the role of smart leadership in enhancing the ability of employees in the Family Protection Department at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development branch in Madinah to anticipate future risks associated with the nature of social work, particularly given the complexity of family cases and the increasing challenges faced by those working in this field The study adopted a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach, deemed most suitable for the nature of the phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary data collection tool. The sample consisted of twelve (12) participants from the department, selected purposively according to the principle of theoretical saturation. The selection included a diverse range of roles, encompassing administrative leaders, supervisors, specialists, and field workers, thus contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The results showed that smart leadership is a crucial factor in employees' ability to predict and effectively manage risks, as it contributes to enhancing analytical, decision-making, and innovative social intervention methods. Furthermore, the findings revealed that smart leadership practices, particularly data utilization, support for analytical thinking, technology integration, and the promotion of collaborative work, lead to improved case response quality and enhanced preparedness for managing high-risk situations. The results confirmed the need to strengthen the regulatory environment to facilitate the more effective and sustainable implementation of smart leadership.