Decentralized Leadership Pronunciation: /diːˈsɛn.trə.laɪzd ˈliː.dər.ʃɪp/ (dee-SEN-truh-lyzd LEE-dur-ship) Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A leadership model where decision-making and authority spread across many individuals or groups, rather than focusing on one charismatic, religious, or central leader. This approach centers community empowerment and encourages a more democratic process shaped by local input. Black American organizations now rely more on decentralized leadership to ensure many voices guide goals, strategy, and action. The civil rights era often relied on well-known leaders. Today, movements shift power away from single figures and promote collective effort.
Synonyms: Distributed leadership, collective leadership
Example: Modern Black American grassroots campaigns use decentralized leadership, letting community members drive change instead of depending on one main leader.