Approaching the work of leadership as a practice changes the focus onto the actual work and goals rather than just the importance of an individual leader. This type of leadership framework offers administrators the opportunity to network, talk about the work, and develop group dynamics. Eagly and Carli (2003) recommend that women excel in environments focused on transformational leadership where the status quo is not an issue. These types of systems need leaders who are more relational in style. As indicated in the research, transformational opportunities are where women leaders can flourish due to the fact that this type of environment is where the “solitary leader as the focal point” is not as important as the group working together towards achieving the goals of the organization.
Evans, Thornton, and Usinger (2012) reviewed four main organizational change theories and found that district and building leaders were more successful with influencing positive change when using a theoretical framework focused on developing a shared vision and system wide strategies than when they focused on the individualistic, hierarchical top down approach to change. This review by Evans and colleagues (2012) continues to support the notion that some of the barriers to change may be due to the inefficiency of the “solitary leader” mentality that continues to pervade executive level positions. This research makes a strong case for moving to a “leadership as practice” model (Carroll, Levey, & Richmond, 2008).
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Carroll, B., Levy, L., & Richmond, D. (2008). Leadership as practice: Challenging the competency paradigm. Leadership, 4(4), 363-379.
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Eagly, A. H., & Carli, L. L. (2003). The female leadership advantage: An evaluation of the evidence. The leadership quarterly, 14(6), 807-834.
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Evans, L., Thornton, B., & Usinger, J. (2012). Theoretical frameworks to guide school improvement. National Association of Secondary School Principals.NASSP Bulletin, 96(2), 154-171. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/1019958948?accountid=7374