Distributed Leadership in Greek Public Schools: Limits and Conditions

Abstract

Aim: To know whether the legal and institutional framework of the educational structure and operation, therefore of the school leadership as follows, is properly formed in Greek educational system and what the model of distributed leadership plays in the Greek educational context. Results: The organization of Greek formal education is based on the bureaucratic system. This centralized system of school organization leaves little room for action and initiative for principals and, consequently, for teachers. It is important that the personal vision of the principals is transmitted to the other members of the school, in possible sources of leadership, as a factor of change and inspiration for all, overcoming the abovementioned bureaucratic system but also for the system itself to change and become more diverse and flexible. Conclusion: In our opinion the detachment from the traditional, hierarchical forms of leadership and the transition to the division of responsibilities and the decentralization of power is imperative. Despite the typical structure of any education system, we believe that schools maintain some degree of autonomy that they can use to create a power distribution network, even informally.