School Principals' Support for Distributed Leadership: A Review of Transformational and Distributed Leadership Literature


1Makanjuola, Seyi Joseph, 2Bankole, Sunday Adelowo, 3Dr. Ogunbiyi, Oluwadare Deji
1Ayede Grammar School. Ayede-Ekiti, Nigeria
2Federal Government Girl’s College, Efon-Alaye, Ekiti, Nigeria,
3Department of Educational Leadership Studies, School of Graduate Studies Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada,
DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijirme.2024.v3i5n04

Abstract

This literature study focuses on the relationship between transformational and distributed leadership in educational settings, aiming to provide insights into the compatibility of these leadership paradigms. Contrary to the assertion that transformational leaders might resist distributed leadership, the synthesis of empirical studies and theoretical frameworks reveals a nuanced dynamic. Transformational leaders, characterized by visionary thinking and inspiration, are inclined towards supporting distributed leadership practices by empowering staff, delegating authority, and fostering collaborative decision-making. The literature underscores the importance of contextual factors, such as organizational culture and leaders' willingness to relinquish control, in shaping the effectiveness of distributed leadership. Considering the practical implications, an integrated strategy that acknowledges the benefits of transformative and distributed leadership is paramount. Instructors are encouraged to develop dynamic, adaptable leadership cultures specific to their learning environments' requirements. Further empirical research is necessary to deepen the understanding of the interplay between these leadership styles, especially in diverse educational settings.

KEYWORDS:

School Principals, Distributed Leadership, Transformational Leadership

References:

1) Avolio, B. J., & Yammarino, F. J. (2002). Transformational and charismatic leadership: The road ahead. Emerald Group Publishing.

2) Alzahrani, M. (2022). Tech-savvy school principals are leveraging crisis leadership to support teaching and learning in their schools through the COVID-19 pandemic. https://core.ac.uk/download/534823756.pdf

3) Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational leadership (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

4) Building and leading learning cultures EdUHK Research Repository. https://repository.eduhk.hk/en/publications/building-and-leading-learning-cultures.

5) Bush, T. (2013). Theories of educational leadership and management. Sage.

6) Clark Moore, A. (2021). Fostering A Sense of Community Among Teachers Via A Community of Practice: A Mixed-Methods Action Research Study. https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2021.283.

7) Leithwood, K. & Jantzi, D. (2005). Transformational school leadership effects: A replication. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 16(2), 431–452.

8) Leithwood, K., & Harris, A. (2008). What is successful leadership? Lessons from the literature.

9) Leithwood, K., & Jantzi, D. (2005). A review of transformational school leadership research 1996-2005. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 4(3), 177–199.

10) Leithwood, K., Mascall, B., & Strauss, T. (2009). Distributed leadership according to the evidence. Routledge.

11) March, J. G., & Weil, T. (2005). On Leadership. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

12) Nappi, J. (2019). Leaders Building Effective Teams: Three Corners of Engagement. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 85(3), 58–70.

13) Northouse, P. G. (2004). Leadership: Theory and Practice (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

14) Papakitsos, E. C., Foulidi, X., Vartelatou, S., & Karakiozis, K. (2017). The contribution of systems science to planning in local educational administration. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v0i0.483

15) Saha, S. (2021). Positive organization forces: The role of transformational leaders is to produce a sense of gainful employment among the employees in the workplace. Indian Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(1), 82–84.

16) Spillane, J. P. (2006). Distributed leadership. Jossey-Bass.

17) The Role of Efficient and Successful Educators on Improving Teaching Quality and Student Achievement. http://www.ijashss.com/article_83713.html

18) Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations