Using a Network Analytical Approach to Explore the Neural Mechanisms of Four Educational Leadership Approaches

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Leadership and Meaning-Making: Ethics, Emotion, and Global-mindedness

Abstract

This review study explores the neural mechanisms of different educational leadership approaches. Using a network analytical approach to connect the theoretical constructs relevant to different leadership approaches and the empirical findings in organizational neuroscience and the broad field of social neuroscience, this study uncovers the neural mechanisms in both leaders’ and followers’ brain. The findings not only accentuate the role of emotions in four leadership approaches (charismatic, transformational, destructive, and culturally responsive school leadership), but also bring theoretical clarifications to some constructs (e.g., empathy, morality, trust vs. distrust, procedural justice vs. distributive justice). This study is the initial foray to understand the neural underpinnings of educational leadership, having salient conceptual and methodological implications for educational leadership research.

Author

• Yinying Wang, Georgia State University