Design and validation of an instrument to evaluate transformational and managerial leadership in the responsible use of artificial intelligence in educational centers

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) tools become integral to education, effective school leadership is critical for ensuring their responsible and ethical integration. This study develops and validates a psychometric instrument to assess teachers’ perceptions of their management teams’ leadership in AI-GenAI adoption, grounded in transformational and ethical leadership theories. The instrument measures four key dimensions (Empowering Leaders, Orientation, Caution and Collaboration-Culture). Data from 470 in-service teachers from Spain were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, revealing a robust four-factor structure with strong reliability (internal consistency) and good model fit. Convergent and discriminant validity further supported the instrument’s psychometric soundness. Practical applications include diagnosing leadership readiness for digital transformation, identifying professional development needs, and guiding policy on AI integration in schools. The study also contributes to theoretical frameworks on educational leadership in AI-enhanced environments, highlighting that successful adoption depends not merely on technological access but on supportive and ethically grounded leadership.