Tensions between formal organisational structures and the daily operations of higher education institutions continue to challenge meaningful change. Research highlights how entrenched institutional practices impact the ability of organisations to respond to increasing demands, both internal and external. Regulations and procedures are often seen as barriers to innovation and creativity. Staff working within these systems develop expertise to navigate them, but this can reinforce inefficiencies as foundational structures remain largely unchanged. Distributed leadership (DL) has emerged as an approach to address these challenges. It emphasises shared responsibility and collaborative decision-making, fostering an environment more conducive to innovation and adaptability. This presentation explores the Framework for Distributed Leadership (FDL), a framework that has evolved from a whole-of-institution change initiative at an Australian regional university. The initiative focused on enhancing learning and teaching quality and involved critical reflection on what practices were effective and where improvements were needed. The FDL outlines key conditions necessary for successful implementation of distributed leadership in higher education. These include aligning leadership practices with institutional values, enabling professional agency and supporting a culture of shared learning. Drawing on both research and lived experience, the framework aims to support sustainable, institution-wide capacity building in teaching and learning, while navigating the inherent tensions within higher education structures.

Authors:
Lucie Zundans-Fraser, Charles Sturt University, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Lucie Zundans-Fraser is currently Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Arts and Education at Charles Sturt University, Australia. Her research interests are in higher education leadership, inclusive education and course design.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/luciezundansfraser

Additional website of interest
https://www.orcid.org/0000-0002-4380-5533

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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