System Leadership and Multi-Academy Trusts in England

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: Innovations in Application of Systems Thinking in Diverse Settings

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of system leadership and its implicit roles and practices in the English context. The research upon which the paper is based adopted a mixed-methods design involving a sample of four Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) in England. This paper reports results from the qualitative analysis.

Using a multiple perspective case study approach, the researcher investigated examples of MAT CEOs/executive principals’ leadership practices that have influenced the structures, cultures and the standards in performance of their MAT.

The different perceptions and interpretations of the participants were brought together to construct and conceptualise the meaning of ‘system leadership’. This meaning, the practices and the perceived impact on schools’ improvement processes, conditions and culture constitute the outcome of this study.

Author

• Michalis Constantinides, University of Waikato