Dispersed leadership
Dispersed leadership spreads leadership activity across people with relevant expertise rather than locating it entirely in one formal leader. People may lead different aspects of a task while remaining accountable within agreed arrangements. It differs from simply delegating decisions down a hierarchy and does not require abolishing formal authority.
Worked example
On a hospital improvement project, clinicians lead care design, analysts lead measurement and operational staff lead implementation, with a sponsor coordinating decisions and accountability.
Common mistake
Assuming shared leadership means nobody is accountable, or using it as an exact synonym for decentralisation.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |