Cyber-Ethical Leadership in Higher Education

A Practice-Based Framework for the Digital Age

Abstract

The rapid digitization of higher education has introduced complex ethical challenges that demand new forms of leadership. This paper explores the concept of cyber-ethical leadership as a critical response to evolving issues such as data privacy, AI-generated academic content, digital surveillance, and cybersecurity crisis management. Drawing from real-world case studies and institutional practices, we propose a practice-based framework that emphasizes ethical reflexivity, participatory governance, and multi- stakeholder engagement. By reframing leadership as ethical agency rather than hierarchical authority, this study highlights how leaders in academia can navigate digital dilemmas through context-aware, inclusive decision-making. The findings call for the integration of digital ethics into institutional policy, leadership training, and crisis preparedness, contributing to a more resilient and ethically grounded digital transformation of higher education.