Collegial and distributed leadership: two sides of the same coin?

ABSTRACT

This article aimed at clearing the confusion that surrounds two leadership concepts: collegial and distributed leadership. Many scholars use these two leadership concepts interchangeably, as though they were not much different from each other. However, by doing so, researchers are not fine-tuning their instrument to investigate issues concerning collegial and distributed leadership separately, and as such, the validity of their findings might not inspire confidence. By reviewing the literature on both leadership concepts, we were able to examine, compare and contrast the elements that characterize collegial and distributed leadership. We highlight the differences here as well as their interconnections to show that these two types of leadership are indeed two distinct concepts. The elements comprising collegial and distributed leadership differ, even though they possess some relationship. Among others, the elements of power and decision-making are different. Other findings include the variance in employee autonomy, group size, educational setting and the formal and/or informal practices of the two leadership concepts.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Universiti Putra Malaysia under Grant [9663300].

Notes on contributors

N. A. Zulkifly

N. A. Zulkifly is a PhD candidate in the field of Human Resource Development (HRD) at Universiti Putra Malaysia. She previously received her Bachelor Degree in Human Resource Management (HRM) from International Islamic University Malaysia. She then received her Master of Science Degree in HRD from Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her current research interests involve leadership and training and development.

I. A. Ismail

I. A. Ismail, PhD is an Associate Professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia. He received his Bachelor of Education Degree in TESL from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He then received his Master of Science in Extension Education from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He soon received his PhD Degree in Continuing Education from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. His current research interests involve leadership and training and development.

S. Asimiran

S. Asimiran, PhD is an Associate Professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia. He received his Bachelor Degree in Administrative Studies from York University, Canada. He then received his Master of Science Degree in Education Management from Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom. He soon received his PhD Degree in Educational Policy, Planning and Administration from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. His current research interest involves university governance.