History and Development of Shared Leadership Theory

Though it is a relatively new phenomenon in the literature, the concept of shared leadership can be traced back several centuries. In a 2002 paper, David Sally noted that shared leadership was present even in the early days of Republican Rome where Rome had a successful system of co-leadership that lasted for four centuries. 

There are some earlier conceptualizations of shared leadership such as, in 1924, Mary Perker Follet wrote that, "one should not only look to the designated leader, but one should let logic dictate to whom one should look for guidance. In 1954, Gibb wrote that, "Leadership is probably best conceived as a group quality, as a set of functions which must be carried out by the group."

Despite these early nods towards group leadership, the formalized construct of shared leadership was not developed and explored until the recent times.

It is until 2000 when Edwin Locke contributed to the critique section of Craig Pearce and Jay Conger's (2003a) edited book, Shared Leadership: Reframing the Hows and Whys of Leadership, published by Sage.

Today, the theory has become common as the concept of team work becomes more accepted in the modern times, with advantages sited for working as groups or teams.

What is Shared Leadership?

The shared leadership theory stresses on group leadership rather than a hierarchical leadership where one person is looked up for orders, directing, monitoring etc.

Shared leadership occurs when two or more members engage in the leadership of the team in an effort to influence and direct fellow members to maximize team effectiveness (Bergman, Rentsch, Small, Davenport & Bergman, 2012).

It involves having two or more members influencing each other in a team or organization to influence other fellow members to act in a certain manner and deliver more effectively and efficiently.

Application of Shared Leadership theory in political system.

This theory can be applied in political system where for long, the system of governance has been a vertical or hierarchical one with those in power expected to lead, direct, give orders, direct the citizens.

Therefore, this theory can be used to make the citizens be responsible of their own country where the elected leaders together with the citizens can join to bring development in their country. 

Also, the theory of shared leadership can be applied in the political system where all elected leaders work as a team together to bring the desired change and development in the country. 

The theory can also be used by the National assemblies and the senates where the shared leadership can be used by members to influence each other to make laws.

Shared leadership theory is not based on any other theory but has developed slowly since the ancient Roman times.