<![CDATA[University leadership is undergoing a significant transformation driven by digitalization, shifting from hierarchical, intuition-based decision-making toward collaborative, data-driven approaches. Despite this shift, many higher education institutions still face challenges in understanding and integrating these structural changes into their human resources (HR) management systems. This study aims to examine the role of ontological dimensions in enhancing HR management within a digital context. A mixed-method approach with a triangulation design was employed. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with top-level leaders at Universitas Catur Insan Cendekia (UCIC) Cirebon, while quantitative data consisted of 237 Lecturer Evaluation by Students (EDOM) responses. Data collection tools included semi-structured interview guidelines and EDOM datasets. Qualitative analysis used thematic analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that ontological awareness strengthens leadership effectiveness through digital agility and the recognition of technology as a core organizational entity. The average HR performance score of 4.49 (on a 5-point scale) supports the practical relevance of Quality 4.0 principles. The study concludes that modern university leadership must transition toward data-integrated decision-making to ensure sustainable quality in the digital era.]]>
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