Chapter 19: Distributed Leadership in Tanzanian Secondary Schools: A Systematic Literature Review

The book chapter aimed at exploring distributed leadership in Tanzanian secondary schools, it adopted the systematic literature review model. The search engines and other sources on distributed leadership came up with 100 articles. About fulfilment of school instructional objectives, findings revealed that distributed leadership was directly linked to attainment of instructional objectives. However, some researchers suggested that hierarchical leadership limited accomplishment of their schools’ instructional objectives. About school climate, findings indicated the subsequent components linked to distributed leadership: teachers’ appreciation by heads; teachers’ empowerment; transparent and communicative school leadership. Nevertheless, several researchers showed inadequacy of school infrastructure, particularly classrooms, toilets, and utilities. The connection between distributed leadership and procurement and/or distribution of resources was also looked at. Findings revealed that school board members in various secondary schools lacked information to assist them participate in making sound decisions, for instance planning. The last but one aspect was on supporting teachers’ growth and development and how it is linked to distributed leadership. Findings revealed teachers being happy with the facilitation led by their fellow teachers (the potentiality of informal leadership). Regarding ICT competence, both school heads and teachers needed support from higher education authorities. However, findings revealed that teachers were more satisfied with mentorship from their heads. Lastly, about school culture, findings revealed that both school heads and teachers had limited knowledge about schools’ cultural symbols. It was generally concluded that, Tanzanian secondary schools might benefit greatly in continuing moving from top-down leadership style and give much attention to distributed leadership.