The Concept of Distributed Leadership - Literature review Example

For instance, research studies by Dinham (2005) and Marzano, Waters & McNulty (2005) have demonstrated the connectivity between leadership and key processes, activities, and goals of schools such as teaching and learning as well as the critical importance of leadership in driving continuous and evolving change in the global education context. Similarly, in a study conducted by Lezotte (2001), it was established that leadership plays an integral role in the realization of positive school outcomes.

Conversely, some studies have established that individual factors and school structural issues are essential determinants of school performance (Koth, Bradshaw & Leaf 2008; Stewart 2007; Stewart 2008). Other studies have established that besides leadership, there is a myriad of factors that mediate school performance and effectiveness (Bollen et al 2012; Cheng 1996; Kirk & Jones 2004; Lezotte 1991). For instance, studies carried out by Kirk & Jones (2004) and Cordell & Waters (1993) have established that there is a wide range of factors that contribute to school effectiveness and performance.

Key among these factors include; available resources, existing legislations, school relations, and culture, and structural issues. Cordell & Waters (1993) particularly argues that school performance can be dependent on the way in which the roles of the school leadership, teachers, students, parents, support staff, policymakers, the government, and the community are synchronized and harnessed (Cordell & Waters 1993). Nevertheless, there is compelling evidence in the literature that suggests that leadership plays a pivotal role in determining school performance or outcomes (Dinham 2005; Nettles & Herrington 2007; Wisker et al 2003).

According to Northouse (2007), leadership is a continuous process that entails influencing a group of people in order to realize mutual objectives and goals. Similarly, Ciulla, (2004) argues that leadership is an influence relationship between leaders and their followers for the purpose of achieving collective goals. Many studies have over the years showed that leadership within the school context plays a critical role in determining school performance and overall outcomes (Dinham 2005; Ekundayo 2010; Witziers, Bosker & Kruger 2003).

As a result, a lot of emphases has been placed on improving leadership in order to enhance school performance and outcomes.