Edwards & Bolden: Why is collective leadership so elusive?

Question 1

What is this study about?

Answer 1

Collective leadership is widely discussed but often remains ambiguous and inconsistent in meaning.
The study critiques how academics, policymakers, and organizations frame collective leadership—often in ways that serve hidden power structures.
The term “collective leadership” can be an empty signifier, meaning different things to different people without a clear definition.

They argue that socially constructed narratives and performativity shape leadership theory, sometimes making collective leadership more of an idealized concept than a practical tool.
The study suggests that power dynamics and ideological influences affect how leadership is framed, sometimes reinforcing existing hierarchies rather than challenging them.

Method: The article uses a reflexive conversation approach, where the authors analyze their past research to uncover why collective leadership is so hard to define and apply.