Beyond Single Perspectives: Response Surface Analysis of Distributed Leadership Congruence and Teacher Satisfaction

Addressing the reliance on single informants in distributed leadership research, this study employs a congruence framework using polynomial regression with response surface methodology. Analyzing TALIS 2018 data from the U.S. and South Korea, we examine how joint principal-teacher perceptions of distributed leadership relate to satisfaction with the work environment and the teaching profession. Results indicate that satisfaction increases as principals and teachers agree on higher levels of distributed leadership. We also observe an asymmetrical effect of incongruence: satisfaction is higher when teachers perceive greater distributed leadership than principals do, compared to the reverse scenario.