Observing Leadership Roles in Shared Decision Making

1. Observing Leadership Roles in Shared Decision Making Kathy Brinker Nancy Lopez Laura Massier Mary Young

2. Learning Objectives • The student will be able to identify and define the shared vision statement within a shared decision- making meeting. • The student will able to observe and collect data as to a statement vs. a decision (procedural, substantive) within a shared decision making meeting.

3. Observational Data Collection (Meyers, et al., 2001)

4. Research • Most research on shared decision making relies on interviews and field notes rather than on observation (Meyers, et al., 2001). • There is value in cross-departmental collaboration and input from various stakeholders ( Brown, et al., 1998, Lambert, 2002; Meyers, et al., 2001). • Department Heads or Middle Managers have a hard time affecting change (Brown, et al.) • Senior management or principals have an important role if shared decision making is going to be effective. They must promote active involvement among all members of educational community. (Brown, et al., 1998; Lambert, 2002; Meyers, et al., 2001). • A shared vision is critical for shared leadership and shared decision making (Lambert, 2002; Meyers, et al., 2001). • Student achievement is high or steadily improving in schools with high leadership capacity (Lambert, 2002).

5. References Brown, M., Boyle, B., & Boyle, T. (1998). The effect of decentralisation on the shared management role of the head of department in secondary schools in England. American Educational Research Association (AERA), Annual Meeting, San Diego, USA. Lambert, L. (2002). A framework for shared leadership. Educational Leadership, 59(8), 37-40. Meyers, B., Meyers, J., & Gelzheiser, L. (2001). Observing leadership roles in shared decision making: A preliminary analysis of three teams. Journal of Educational Psychologocial Consultation, 12 (4), 277-312.