Influence mechanisms, leadership traits, and educational performance in higher vocational education at Chinese colleges

International Journal of Research Studies in Management
CollabWritive Special Issue
2026 Volume 14 Issue 5

Available Online: 31 August 2026

Author/s:

Li, Yushan*
Graduate School, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines

Mauhay, Romana Celeste A.
Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines

Abstract:

This study examined the influence mechanisms, leadership traits, and educational performance of higher vocational colleges as bases for developing a strategic enhancement plan for institutional development. A diverse group of respondents, consisting primarily of teachers and students, participated in the study, with representation from institutional leaders and enterprise stakeholders. The findings revealed that the influence mechanisms were moderately strong and consistently observed, with management and resources receiving the highest assessments. Similarly, leadership traits were perceived to be moderately strong, with strategic planning emerging as the most prominent dimension. Educational performance was likewise evaluated positively, indicating a moderately strong and consistently perceived level of institutional performance across higher vocational colleges. The findings further showed that respondents generally shared consistent perceptions regardless of demographic characteristics, although significant differences emerged in selected mechanisms, suggesting the need for further post hoc analysis. Faculty and teaching mechanisms demonstrated minimal influence on service and community engagement and showed no significant relationship with talent cultivation performance. These results highlight the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms beyond traditional instructional functions to improve overall educational outcomes. Based on the findings, a strategic enhancement plan for institutional development was proposed. The plan emphasizes the collaborative roles of the College President, Industry Liaison Office, Department Heads, Quality Assurance Office, Human Resource Office, and Faculty Development Center in promoting institutional improvement. Future researchers are encouraged to further validate the effectiveness and long-term impact of the proposed enhancement plan. Overall, the study provides insights that may support higher vocational colleges in strengthening governance, industry collaboration, faculty competencies, and talent cultivation toward sustainable institutional development.

Keywords: educational performance, higher vocational education, influence mechanisms, institutional development, leadership traits, strategic enhancement plan, talent cultivation

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26120

Cite this article:
Li, Y., & Mauhay, R. C. A. (2026). Influence mechanisms, leadership traits, and educational performance in higher vocational education at Chinese colleges. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 14(5), 185-201. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26120

* Corresponding Author