Networks as Sites of Leadership Learning: Failures, Readiness and Absorptive Capacity

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium examines how educational leaders develop capacity to facilitate change through networks, bridging established leadership models with emerging collaborative approaches. The three studies explore different dimensions of network-based leadership learning: novice principals' multi-level change readiness; schools' absorptive capacity for ICT knowledge through collaborative networks; and, leaders' learning from implementation failures within professional learning networks. Findings reveal how networks function as sites for developing leadership capacity, integrating external knowledge and transforming setbacks into learning opportunities. The papers build on organisational learning traditions while exploring approaches to leadership that create more adaptive and responsive educational systems. Findings offer practical insights for leadership issues including address principal turnover; technology integration; and, the importance of psychological safety within professional networks.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Educational Change

Chair

• Chris Brown, University of Southampton

Papers

• Novice Principals as Multi-level Change Agents: readiness to lead - Ruth Luzmore, University of Southampton; Chris Brown, University of Southampton

• The role of absorptive capacity for ICT-knowledge management in schools: Does collaboration matter? - Sandra Fischer-Schöneborn, IU International University of Applied Sciences; Marcus Pietsch, Leuphana University - Lueneburg; Chris Brown, University of Southampton; Burak Aydin, Ege University; Stephen W. MacGregor, University of Calgary

• Leading Educational Change by Learning from Failure in Networks - Stephen W. MacGregor, University of Calgary; Sharon Friesen, University of Calgary

Session Organizer

• Ruth Luzmore, University of Southampton

Discussant

• Elizabeth Zumpe, University of Oklahoma