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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine to what extent leadership is distributed at schools, whether distribution varies depending upon the level and type of the school, what criteria principals use, and what barriers they encounter when distributing leadership. This study employed mixed-methods design. The quantitative study was based on data collected from 316 teachers using the Distributed Leadership Scale. The qualitative study used data from semi-structured interviews with the principals of the very same schools. Teachers thought that leadership was highly distributed at schools. Distribution was significantly higher at private schools than at public schools and lower at elementary schools than at middle and high schools. Principals expressed a belief in the necessity of distributing leadership mainly for practical reasons. They distributed leadership roles based on expertise and the willingness of teachers and thought that the reluctance of the stakeholders and legislation in effect made it hard for them to distribute leadership. This study offers greater insight into the distribution of leadership across schools with different characteristics, as well as barriers that may undermine its effectiveness.
