Moving Forward Amidst the Swirls: Reframing The Relational Approach as a Step ‘Beyond’ Leadership

Embedding the relational approach as a research project is a viable alternative to normative conceptualisation and practice of leadership. However, as the shift from substantialist assumptions to relational theorising gathers momentum, the evolving nature of the argument so far suggests that more needs to be done to bolster its robustness. Rather than being a refutation, this commentary reengages with the relational approach in a way that attempts to locate it within the historical development of theorising in educational leadership as a specialised field. More specifically, it focuses a large part of its analysis on the strength of underpinning ontological theorising which, arguably, nullifies binaries without accounting for (assumptions about) them as it shifts its focus on relations. To ensure parallel monologues begin to engage and that auctors draw on an array of knowledges, the commentary reviews the relational approach and provides alternative avenues and resources to further its aims 

___

  • Alvesson, M. (2013). Understanding Organisational Culture, (2nd ed). London: Sage. Archer, M. (1995). Realist Social Theory: The Morphogenetic Approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Archer, M. (2010). Routine, reflexivity and realism. Sociological Theory, 28(3), 272-303. Bakhurst, D. (2009). Reflections on activity theory. Educational Review, 61(2), 197-210. Begley, P. (2000). Cultural isomorphs of educational administration: reflections on Western-centric approaches to values and leadership. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 20(2), 23-33. Bhaskar, R. (1989). Reclaiming Reality. London: Verso. Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (1997). Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership. San Fran cisco, CA: Jossey Bass. Bojesen, E. (2018). Conversation as educational research. Educational Philosophy and Theory, doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2018.1508995. Burrell, G., & Morgan, G. (1979). Sociological Paradigms and Organisational Analysis. Aldershot: Gower. Bush, T. (2011). Theories of Educational Leadership and Management. 4th ed., London: Sage. Bush, T. (2018). Relational Leadership: New Thinking or Established Ideas in “New Clothes”. In S. Eacott (Ed.). Beyond leadership: A relational approach to organizational theory in education (pp. 177- 187). Singapore: Springer. Crossley, M., & Watson, K. (2003). Comparative Research in Education, Globalisation, Context and Difference. London: Routledge Falmer.