Appendix

 

Table 1: Related works summary

ReferenceObjectiveModelsDatasetKey FindingsResearch Gaps
Abdullah et al. (2025)PLC → collective efficacy via TSEMediation (SEM)Malaysia primary teachersTSE mediates PLC → collective efficacyLimited generalizability beyond Malaysia
Çoban et al. (2020)Leadership, trust, collaboration → TSEMultilevel mediationCross-school teacher dataCollaboration mediates leadership → TSEContext not education-specific focus on DL
Fan & Chu (2025)DL → job satisfactionChain mediationChina teachersDL → collaboration → TSE → satisfactionFocus limited to job satisfaction
Gao et al. (2024)Transformational leadership → PLCSEMChina schoolsLeadership strengthens PLC functioningNo direct TSE modelling
Gong (2025)DL → teaching innovationChain mediation (SEM)TALIS (Shanghai)Collaboration & TSE mediate DL → innovationContext limited to secondary schools
Gordon et al. (2023)Review of TSE in reformSystematic reviewMultiple studiesTSE critical for reform successLack of integrated empirical models
Li (2022)PLC → job satisfactionModerationChina teachersTSE moderates PLC → satisfactionNo mediation pathways tested
Lin (2022)DL → innovativenessMediationChina teachersAutonomy & collaboration mediate DLTSE indirect, not central focus
Liu et al. (2023)DL → wellbeingSEMShanghai teachersTSE links DL → wellbeingCross-sectional design limits causality
Pan (2023)PLC → learner-centered teachingMediationTaiwan teachersTSE mediates PLC → teaching approachLimited cross-cultural validation
Pan & Cheng (2023)PLC → professional learningTheory-driven evaluationTeacher samplesPLC enhances TSE & learning outcomesLimited focus on leadership variables
Wang et al. (2025)Collaboration → wellbeingModerated mediationChina teachersTSE mediates collaboration → wellbeingDL role partially explored
Wang et al. (2022)DL & teacher leadership → TSESEMInclusive education teachersLeadership improves TSE for inclusionContext-specific (inclusive education)
Windasari et al. (2025)Transformational leadership → innovationMediationTeacher samplesPLC, TSE, motivation drive innovationJournal impact comparatively lower
Xie et al. (2022)Principal leadership → TSEMultilevel SEMChina teachersCollaboration mediates leadership → TSEFocus on principal leadership, not DL
Xiu et al. (2022)DL → commitment to changeMediationChina teachersPLC & job satisfaction mediate DLTSE not directly examined
Yang & Chang (2024)DL → professional developmentMediationPrimary teachersPrimary teachersTSE not explicitly modelled
Zhang et al. (2024)PLC → resilienceMediationChina teachersIdentity mediates PLC → resilienceTSE not included
Zhang et al. (2025)DL → TSESystematic review2019–2025 studiesStrong DL → TSE via PLC/collaborationNeed empirical multi-model testing
Zhao et al. (2025)DL → innovationChain mediation
China schools

 

 

 

Commitment & collaboration mediate DLTSE indirect role

 

Figure 2: Low-Order Model (First-Order Measurement Model)

 

figure3.png

Figure 3: Higher-Order Model (Higher-Order Structural Model)

 

SmartPLS model.png

Figure 4: Conceptual Smart PLS model for distributed leadership  to teacher innovative behaviour