Distributed leadership and teachers' perceptions towards artificial intelligence implementation in Ghanaian schools: the mediating role of innovative work behavior

Purpose This study investigates the relationships between distributed leadership, innovative work behavior (IWB), and teachers' perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) implementation in Ghanaian schools. Specifically, it explores the direct and indirect effects of distributed leadership on teachers' perceptions of AI, with IWB acting as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey method was employed to collect quantitative data from 311 teachers across various primary and secondary schools in Ghana. Data were gathered through structured online questionnaires and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and mediation analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings Distributed leadership was found to positively and significantly impact both IWB and teachers' perceptions of AI implementation, directly supporting the proposed hypotheses. IWB positively influenced AI perceptions, validating its mediating role in the relationship between distributed leadership and teachers’ AI perceptions. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, suggesting future research should adopt longitudinal approaches. The reliance on self-reported data may introduce common method bias, although measures were taken to minimize this risk. Practical implications The findings highlight the potential for distributed leadership to foster a culture of innovation among teachers, facilitating AI adoption in Ghanaian schools. Educational leaders should consider policies and practices that promote collaborative decision-making and encourage teachers to engage in innovative work behavior. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on leadership and AI in education by identifying the mediating role of IWB in the relationship between distributed leadership and teachers' AI perceptions, providing insights for AI integration in developing countries.