The Limits of Algorithmic Decision-Making Phronesis as the Measure of Leadership Judgement in Educational Administration

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Published: Jun 7, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/dia.45803
Keywords:
phronesis algorithmic decision-making educational administration leadership judgement artificial intelligence educational leadership ethical judgement
Sotiria Triantari
Professor, University of Macedonia, Greece
Georgios Tzimas
Post-Doctoral Researcher, University of Macedonia, Greece
Abstract

This article critically examines the increasing integration of algorithmic models into decision-making processes in educational administration and argues that the dominant emphasis on predictive accuracy and operational efficiency undermines the normative character of administrative judgement. Although decision-making supported by artificial intelligence systems is frequently presented as neutral and effective, the study analyses its inherent limitations, which are associated with uncertainty, ethical insufficiency, and the inability to adequately capture the complexity of educational reality. Drawing upon the Aristotelian concept of phronesis, the article proposes a framework for integrating computational models into educational organizational practice in ways that support rather than substitute human judgement. Practical wisdom is conceptualised as the measure of sound judgement, enabling the evaluation and interpretation of algorithmically generated assessments in light of the values, purposes and demands of educational practice. The contribution of the article lies in shifting the discussion from the technical adequacy of algorithmic systems toward the establishment of a decision-making framework grounded in phronesis, capable of preserving the ethical and pedagogical character of leadership in education.

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