INVESTIGATING DISTRIBUTED LEADERSHIP AMONG UNIVERSITY TEACHERS: A CASE STUDY OF BANGLADESH OPEN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study delves into distributed leadership (DL) among faculty at Bangladesh Open University, focusing on their perceptions, practices, and challenges. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-method approach, the research involved a cross-sectional survey and a focus group discussion (FGD) to collect data from university teachers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 102 teachers of BOU who participated in the study with different roles and positions and FGD with 10 teachers of different positions. This method provided a comprehensive understanding of their attitudes toward various DL dimensions. The results indicate a positive perception of DL, underscoring its potential to enhance academic and administrative effectiveness. The additional findings highlight the complexities of practicing Distributed Leadership within the university context and offer insights into the factors hindering its effective implementation. The study highlights the pivotal role of DL in educational quality and institutional success, mainly through increased teacher participation in decision-making and leadership.