Effects of distributed leadership on academic performance in selected schools in Chris Hani West District, South Africa

Effects of distributed leadership on academic performance in selected schools in Chris Hani West District, South Africa

Malixole John Mndwana & Owen Madalambana

Issue: Vol. 7 No. 3 2026 Article 1 pp.210 -222
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026731Published online 13th April 2026.

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ABSTRACT

This paper examined the effects of distributed leadership on academic performance in a selected school within the Chris Hani West District. The study is based on Gunter’s theory of leadership and adopts a qualitative research approach with a case study design. Convenient sampling was used to select the school, while purposive sampling guided the selection of participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis, presenting findings as emerging themes. The study revealed that distributed leadership promotes effective leadership practices, enhances teacher engagement, and contributes positively to academic performance. The key benefits identified include aligning teachers with school goals and values and reducing the administrative burden on principals. Based on these findings, it is recommended that principals foster leaders who clearly understand the school’s vision and purpose, encourage teamwork and collaboration among staff, and actively involve teachers in decision-making processes to improve motivation and commitment. This study contributes to scholarship by providing empirical evidence on the practical application of distributed leadership in a South African school context. It highlights its potential to improve school performance and offers insights into policy and leadership development in educational settings.

Keywords: Leadership, Distributed Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Advanced Leadership Strategies, High-Performing Schools.

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AUTHOR(S)

Malixole Mndwana University Affiliation: Walter Sisulu University Role: Faculty Librarian and PhD candidate on education and Lecturer, Adult and Education Foundations, Ongoing Project: Investigating innovation in library services and the role of academic libraries in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, Distributed leadership as a catalyst for sustainable school improvement: a case study of selected high-performing secondary schools in the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape.

Dr. Owen Madalambana University Affiliation: Walter Sisulu University Role: Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head of Department Ongoing Project: Co-authoring a conceptual exploration of quality assurance as a catalyst for higher education transformation, with a focus on contextual challenges and opportunities in South African universities.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Mndwana, Malixole John, and Owen Madalambana. “Effects of distributed leadership on academic performance in selected schools in Chris Hani West District, South Africa.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 7, no.3 (2026): 210 – 222. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026731