CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES OF DISTRIBUTIVE LEADERSHIP IN MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS

As a strategy to improve the quality of education, distributive leadership is becoming increasingly popular in Malaysian schools. This methodology emphasizes that in the process of decision-making and strategy implementation, everyone including teachers, staff, and sometimes students are given authority and responsibility. By encouraging diverse opinions and expertise, distributive leadership enables more informed and inclusive decision-making aimed at enhancing academic performance, boosting teacher motivation, and strengthening the school's relationship with the community. According to literature, this practice has improved teaching and learning effectiveness in Malaysian schools. However, to achieve full success, this practice needs to be balanced with adequate support, ongoing professional development, and the establishment of an organizational culture that promotes collaboration and active employee engagement. Thus, distributive leadership not only strengthens school performance but also lays a solid foundation for the future development of national education.