Assessing Leadership Readiness of Indonesian University Students for Next-Generation Workforce Development

Leadership readiness has emerged as a critical competency for preparing future workforces in digitally intensive and rapidly transforming organizational environments. Despite its growing importance, empirical evidence on leadership readiness among university students—particularly in emerging economies—remains limited. This study investigates leadership readiness among Indonesian university students as a multidimensional construct integrating cognitive and decision literacy, digital learning engagement, and behavioral readiness. Grounded in learning science, behavioral theory, and digital transformation literature, the study examines how cognitive capability and technology-enabled learning jointly influence leadership potential. Using a quantitative explanatory design, data were collected from 945 students across leading Indonesian universities and analyzed through Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that cognitive and decision literacy exert the strongest direct effects on leadership readiness, while digital learning engagement primarily serves as an enabling mechanism. Behavioral readiness—captured through future orientation, self-regulation, and risk awareness—significantly mediates these relationships. Overall, the results underscore the need for integrated leadership development ecosystems combining adaptive learning, digital platforms, and behavioral-based educational interventions.