A1 Journal article (refereed)
Enhancing understanding of broad-based pedagogical leadership in Finnish early childhood education through cultural artifacts (2024)


Roponen, H. M., Fonsén, E., Ukkonen-Mikkola, T., & Ahtiainen, R. (2024). Enhancing understanding of broad-based pedagogical leadership in Finnish early childhood education through cultural artifacts. Educational Management Administration and Leadership, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432241285413


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsRoponen, Hannele Marjaana; Fonsén, Elina; Ukkonen-Mikkola, Tuulikki; Ahtiainen, Raisa

Journal or seriesEducational Management Administration and Leadership

ISSN1741-1432

eISSN1741-1440

Publication year2024

Publication date25/10/2024

VolumeEarly online

PublisherSAGE Publications

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1177/17411432241285413

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/98485


Abstract

This ethnographic case study examines the artifacts of the leadership culture of one Finnish early childhood education (ECE) center and how they appear from the perspective of broad-based pedagogical leadership. Qualitative content analysis with a directed approach was guided by Pasquale Gagliardi’s and Mary Hatch’s definitions of artifacts. In addition, artifacts were analyzed through broad-based pedagogical leadership. Based on the analysis, thirteen activities, six verbal expressions, and thirteen objects of leadership culture were found in the data. Most of the artifacts were indirect pedagogical leadership, and some had several purposes due to staff interpretations. The interpretations varied both between the leaders and the staff but also within the staff. The findings indicate that symbolic leadership is present in many leadership situations and that a lack of knowledge about the symbolic and cultural dimensions of leadership can undermine leaders’ good intentions. The results of the study can be utilized in practical work in leading organizational cultures and in structuring pedagogical leadership in ECE. Additionally, the research has theoretical implications by enriching leadership research in ECE and enhancing the concept of broad-based pedagogical leadership, which can be used in leadership training programs in the field of education.


Keywordspedagogical leadershipearly childhood education and caremanagement culturemanagement educationworkplace culturemanagerial worksupervisorscase study

Free keywordsbroad-based pedagogical leadership; cultural artifacts; early childhood education; case study


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2024

Preliminary JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2025-04-02 at 09:16