Factors which impact the distribution of leadership for an ICT reform: expertise vis-à-vis formal role?

Abstract

This study examined the process of Information Communication Technology reform in a Singapore school. The focus was on distributed leadership actions, and the factors which enabled and constrained the distribution of leadership. This study adopted a naturalistic inquiry approach, involving the case study of a school. The study found that influencing factors consisted of people- and structure-related factors, including the possession of expertise, and the assignment of a formal role. Key enabling factors included an official leadership position and access to expertise, supported by senior management. Key constraints included a lack of expertise and perceived limited authority in one's official position.

Keywords:

• distributed leadership
• enablers
• constraints
• expertise
• formal role