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 editors: Roponen, Hannele Marjaana; Fonsén, Elina; Ukkonen-Mikkola, Tuulikki; Ahtiainen, Raisa
Journal or series: Educational Management Administration and Leadership
ISSN: 1741-1432
eISSN: 1741-1440
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 25/10/2024
Volume: Early online
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432241285413
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially 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.
Keywords: pedagogical leadership; early childhood education and care; management culture; management education; workplace culture; managerial work; supervisors; case study
Free keywords: broad-based pedagogical leadership; cultural artifacts; early childhood education; case study
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 2