This study examines the essential role of effective leadership in managing change and fostering innovation within organizations. It highlights how leadership can drive employee engagement, empower teams, and promote a culture of creativity while considering the needs of current and future generations. It investigates strategies for integrating digital technologies, enhancing sustainability, and addressing globalization and cross-cultural challenges. By emphasizing ethical practices and social responsibility, it underscores the significant impact of leadership on society and the education sector. It advocates for further exploration to provide actionable insights that improve leadership effectiveness. It envisions transforming universities into platforms for talent development with a focus on graduate quality and the promotion of governance and accountability. Ultimately, this work aims to equip leaders with the tools to navigate evolving challenges, achieve organizational success, and contribute positively to societal well-being, serving as a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners.

This research explores employees’ perceptions of wise leadership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, focusing on the unique contexts of government entities and the education sector. The study offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners across the Gulf Cooperation Countries, enriching the regional understanding of leadership dynamics and providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the region. The study sampled respondents from government and educational sectors in the UAE and Oman. While the sample size is modest, it was strategically chosen to reflect a diverse range of perspectives from these specific sectors. The study acknowledges the limitations of the sample size and suggests that future research could expand the participant base for broader generalizability. Respondents to the Google questionnaire answered sixteen statements that covered the major aspects of wise leadership: intellectual shrewdness, spurring action, moral conduct, and virtuous humility. In our wise leadership assessment, a high total score indicates strong presence and positive perception of wise leadership qualities among respondents. The findings indicate that wise leadership is prevalent in both Oman and the UAE, particularly within the government and education systems. Notably, Omani citizens tend to exhibit higher levels of conservatism, which may be attributed to their socio-economic status. On the other hand, UAE residents from diverse nationalities display significantly higher scores in wise leadership, potentially influenced by their educational backgrounds and professional experiences in the government and education sectors.

Orientation: Success is a common goal in both personal and professional life, and wise leadership is key to achieving it. Effective leadership guides and motivates teams, driving them toward success and excellence. Research purpose: This study examines wise leadership in Oman’s government sector, using Hassi and Storti’s theoretical frameworks. It explores dimensions such as Intellectual Shrewdness, Spurring Action, Moral Conduct, and Cultivating Humility to improve employee awareness and perception. Motivation for the study: To assess wise leadership qualities across different dimensions and demographic groups to identify strengths and areas for improvement in leadership practices. Research approach/design and method: A descriptive method was employed, and a questionnaire was used as a data gathering tool. The data were analysed by several techniques including T-tests, ANOVA and descriptive statistics. Data were anonymously collected from 300 respondents across the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Information and Taxation Authority, representing diverse demographic profiles and organisational ranks. Main findings: The findings highlight that practical wisdom is vital for organisational resilience, effective communication, and societal well-being in complex governance. While there is broad agreement on key leadership traits, minor discrepancies suggest challenges in applying theoretical ideals, especially concerning vulnerability and humility. Practical/managerial implications: Providing a detailed look at employees’ views on wise leadership and the impact of personal characteristics on these perceptions. Contribution/value-add: Provides a comprehensive view of employees’ perceptions of wise leadership and how personal characteristics influence these perceptions.

This study examines the growing trend among GCC students, particularly master’s degree holders, in pursuing doctoral studies as a means of enhancing career opportunities and achieving social mobility, especially in government sectors. It critically assesses the relevance of a doctorate in today’s job market, where competencies, experience, and skills are increasingly prioritized over academic qualifications. The research is based on data collected from prominent recruitment platforms, such as Bayt.com and GulfTalent, to provide actionable insights for academia, industry, and policymakers. It explores how labor market demands and shifting workforce requirements influence the motivation to pursue doctoral degrees and highlights the need to align academic programs with market needs. A theoretical framework examines industry requirements, Oman’s economic development, government initiatives, and the role of academic institutions in shaping demand for doctorate holders. Using a qualitative methodology, including a literature review, data from recruitment platforms, and interviews, the study offers an in-depth analysis of labor market trends in the GCC. The findings aim to inform stakeholders by providing evidence-based recommendations for revising training programs, improving educational curricula, and guiding policy decisions related to employment and workforce development in the region. By addressing the evolving relationship between academic qualifications and labor market needs, this research contributes to bridging the gap between education and employability in the GCC.

This book chapter explores how AI can address long-standing limitations in human resource training and development. It demonstrates AI's potential to enhance training through personalization, adaptive learning, progress tracking, and interactive tools, fostering organizational excellence and adaptability. The research examines how AI can support human resource development by analyzing user data, creating personalized content, and optimizing educational pathways. Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning use AI for course recommendations, while systems like Dream Box adjust content difficulty in real time. AI-powered chatbots and virtual trainers offer timely support, and predictive analytics anticipate future skill needs. Gamification further engages learners with interactive experiences. Overall, AI makes training more personalized and effective, aligning educational outcomes with individual and organizational goals, and recommends ongoing evaluation and refinement of AI-driven training