Retheorising distributed leadership through epistemic injustice

Meng Tian, Graham Nutbrown

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    48 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Existing distributed leadership (DL) theories tend to focus on distributing financial, material and human resources in order to enhance school performance. However, their impact appears controversial. Critical scholars assert that using DL to promote trust and democracy can be a self-fulfilling prophecy orchestrated by few formal leaders. When being misused as a managerial tool, DL can reinforce epistemic injustice in school. In this conceptual paper, we retheorise DL through the lens of epistemic injustice. Drawing on the concepts of testimonial, hermeneutical and systemic injustice, we analyse how DL practices potentially marginalise, silence, and reject individuals as knowledge contributors due to their deflated credibility, the lack of concepts or language, and systemic discrimination. To build epistemic justice and reciprocity into DL, we propose three moves: building trust and self-trust; re-distributing epistemic resources; and reconfiguring relational justice. This paper makes a theoretical contribution by explicating why and how epistemic injustice is done to disadvantaged individuals in DL. It also serves as the theoretical foundation for future empirical investigations.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalEducational Management Administration & Leadership
    Early online date9 Jun 2021
    DOIs
    Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 9 Jun 2021

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © The Author(s) 2021.

    Keywords

    • Distributed leadership
    • epistemic (in)justice
    • hermeneutical injustice
    • knowledge
    • power
    • systemic injustice
    • testimonial injustice

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Education
    • Strategy and Management

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Retheorising distributed leadership through epistemic injustice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this