Developing Middle School Principals in Vietnam Through the PDCA–OODA and Competency-Based HRM Framework

This study aims to construct and validate a competency-based human resource management (CBHRM) framework integrated with the PDCA–OODA dual-cycle model for developing middle school principals in north central Vietnam. This research underscores the urgent need to shift principal development toward a job position and competency-based approach in line with Vietnam’s ongoing educational reforms and digital transformation policies. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining theoretical synthesis, expert consultation, and empirical investigation. Quantitative data were collected from 650 respondents across 12 districts in the Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces, including principals, vice-principals, and education officers. Instruments were validated using Cronbach’s Alpha, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Pearson’s correlation in SPSS 26.0, while qualitative interviews were conducted to triangulate the findings and refine the competency framework. The findings indicate that although most principals meet the current national standards (Circular No.14/2018/TT-BGDDT), notable competency gaps remain in digital leadership, adaptive decision-making, and data-driven management. The integrated PDCA–OODA–CBHRM model effectively links performance improvement cycles with strategic human resource management, emphasizing agility, reflection, and evidence-based decision-making. This study introduces a six-domain competency framework comprising 32 standards and 105 indicators, serving as a practical tool for principal recruitment, training, and evaluation consistent with Vietnam’s Decree No.115/2020/ND-CP on educational personnel management. As one of the first studies in Vietnam to theoretically and empirically integrate the CBHRM model with PDCA–OODA principles in educational leadership, this study contributes to both national policy advancement and global discourse on adaptive school leadership in transitional education systems.