The multilevel and multidimensional characteristics of collective leadership: a systematic literature review

Purpose The purpose of the current study is to identify emergent collective leadership theories, compare these theories, capture the characteristics of each theory, and to identify the multilevel and multidimensional characteristics around these theories. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted a systematic literature review looking at current collective leadership theories. The leadership theories reviewed included collective leadership, adaptive leadership, agile leadership, complex adaptive leadership, complexity capacity, complexity leadership, sapient leadership, system leadership, distributed leadership, network leadership, relational leadership, shared leadership, and team leadership. Findings This study synthesized the literature and compared each theory by looking at its associated levels of analysis, epistemology, and how each is integrated with other theories or constructs. This study also highlighted four main levels of analysis (higher-level, team, psychological, leader) found in collective leadership theories. The current study introduced the collaboration, open systems, reflection, and empowerment (CORE) framework as a unifying model for understanding the multidimensional phenomenon of collective leadership. Originality/value This study synthesized collective leadership theories into multilevel, multidimensional characteristics and presented the CORE leadership framework. This framework connects disparate collective leadership theories into a dynamic, multilevel, holistic framework that better represents how leadership is practiced in the real world. This framework can serve as a guide for future research and for practitioners evaluating leadership within their organizations.