Varhaiskasvatustyön johtamisen paradoksit

Authors

• Hanna Hjelt University of Tampere, Finland
• Kirsti Karila University of Tampere, Finland

Keywords:

leadership, johtajuus, middle-management, keskijohto, tensions, jännitteet, impact, vaikuttaminen, early childhood education, varhaiskasvatus

Abstract

In this article, we explore the discourses early childhood education and care (ECEC) leaders produce concerning their work. We focus on work-related tensions expressed by daycare centre leaders. Over the past few years, the terms and conditions of Finnish ECEC work have changed significantly since both legislation and curricula have been improved, thus having enhanced the quality of ECEC. However, at the same time the efficiency expectations of work have been raised. These changes challenge the entire ECEC organization, but in particular the daycare centre leaders, who as middle managers have to deal with these contradictory performance goals. The data of this study is collected through focus group discussions of ECEC centre leaders and it is analyzed discursively. Since there are always tensions and conflicting elements in leadership, we use the concept of paradox in our analysis. Results show that intensified quality and efficiency requirements challenge ECEC leadership. There are tensions related to leaders’ own position in the organization’s decision-making processes, as well as the roles and professional competences of subordinates. Nevertheless, the results indicate that leaders are actively looking for a balance between the conflicting and contradictory elements of work. This balance can be achieved if tensions mainly concern their own subordinates. However, if the impact is directed towards leader’s subordinates as well as superiors or the higher level of the organization, achieving a balance is challenging.