Outlining the distributed leadership practice structure of Chinese schools in Wenzhou: a social network analysis

Abstract

This study employs social network analysis (SNA) to identify influential individuals and their communication patterns within Chinese schools in Wenzhou. The research also aims to reveal communication and advice-seeking patterns that significantly impact the overall distributed leadership structure and practices within the schools. The study employed a multistage random sampling method to select eight Chinese schools from Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. A total of 276 teachers completed a Social Network Survey (SNS) questionnaire, and UCINET Software was utilised to analyse the network data. The study found that each school exhibited a unique centrality, density, and reciprocity, leading to different key actors. Network properties demonstrated some associations with leadership distributions, with centrality being particularly prominent. Limited communication between principals and teachers was observed, which could potentially impact the distribution of leadership. This study provides valuable insights into the social dynamics of key players and groups within the network of the selected schools in China. The research introduces social network analysis as an alternative method for identifying the leadership practice structure in the school domain. By measuring the overall cohesion and fragmentation of the network, the study reveals the flow of information and influence between individuals.