The role of leadership in communities of learning | Kāhui Ako: a systematic literature review

Constantinides, M. and Eleftheriadou, S. (2023) The role of leadership in communities of learning | Kāhui Ako: a systematic literature review. New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies, 58, pp. 341-359. (doi: 10.1007/s40841-023-00295-2)

Abstract

This article is a systematic literature review aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the implementation of the Kāhui Ako | Communities of Learning policy in Aotearoa New Zealand. This policy seeks to improve student outcomes through collaborative networks of schools emphasising the importance of network leadership in initiating and co-ordinating systemic change. This review examines the available evidence on the ways in which these school networks operate and how network leadership responds to local needs and environments. Review data included a total of 16 studies from the empirical literature resulting in four main organisational processes and patterns of interaction: (1) relationships building focusing on trust; (2) press for system-wide coherence; (3) knowledge exchange; and (4) collaborative work. Our findings suggest that achieving high levels of alignment and coherence within the Kāhui Ako policy is a key factor for meaningful implementation, challenging to achieve, and requires ongoing attention.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Constantinides, Dr Michalis
• Authors: Constantinides, M., and Eleftheriadou, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0028-8276
• ISSN (Online): 2199-4714
• Published Online: 05 July 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies 58:341–359
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License