An Overview of Distributed Leadership and its Shortcomings in Educational Settings

Abstract

"Distributed leadership has emerged as a prominent approach in educational settings, emphasizing the collective and collaborative nature of leadership. This article provides a comprehensive overview of distributed leadership, exploring its theoretical foundations, models, and growing popularity, using PRISMA methodology. The benefits and positive aspects of distributed leadership are examined, including enhanced decision-making, increased creativity and innovation, empowerment of team members, development of leadership capacity, and shared responsibility. These benefits highlight the potential of distributed leadership to foster inclusive and effective leadership practices. However, it is essential to acknowledge the potential shortcomings and limitations associated with distributed leadership. Challenges such as role ambiguity, conflicting priorities, and power struggles can arise when multiple individuals share leadership responsibilities. Ensuring effective communication, coordination, and clarity in roles and decision-making processes is crucial to mitigate these challenges and maximize the effectiveness of distributed leadership. To navigate the potential pitfalls of distributed leadership, organizations must consider the contextual factors, organizational culture, and readiness for distributed leadership implementation. Additionally, ongoing support, professional development, and clear guidelines are essential for individuals involved in distributed leadership roles. By understanding both the benefits and shortcomings of distributed leadership, educational institutions can make informed decisions about its adoption and implementation. Balancing the positive aspects with the potential challenges allows for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of distributed leadership, enabling practitioners to harness its potential and mitigate its limitations in order to create effective and sustainable leadership practices. "