Distributed leadership: rhetoric or reality?

This paper provides insight into distributed leadership by contrasting the oppositional messages found in the literature, and by examining differences in the rhetoric and reality associated with its application. Specifically, the treatment of power and accountability within the distributed leadership theoretical framework is difficult to reconcile. Given the problems associated with the theory and practice of distributed leadership, this paper asks why it is enjoying resurgence at this time? This paper will be of interest to researchers, educators and administrators who are interested in the study and practice of educational leadership.