Abstract

This study examined the relationships between data science literacy and sustainable agility leadership among Generation Z accounting students in Thailand, with analytical thinking and creative thinking skills introduced as mediating variables. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected from 555 final-year undergraduate accounting students across Thai higher education institutions using a validated and reliable questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that data science literacy had a statistically significant and positive effect on both analytical and creative thinking skills. Furthermore, data science literacy influenced sustainable agility leadership both directly and indirectly, with analytical and creative thinking serving as critical mediators. Analytical thinking also significantly enhanced creative thinking and leadership capacity. These findings contribute original insights by empirically linking digital literacy and higher-order cognitive skills with next-generation leadership development. The study underscores the importance of 21st-century competencies—particularly data fluency, analytical reasoning, and creativity—in cultivating adaptable, innovative, and sustainability-oriented leaders equipped for the demands of the digital economy.