Much More Than Refurnishing! How Leadership Matters When Transforming Physical Environments for Play

Abstract

This study investigates aspects of leadership in projects intended to improve the physical indoor and outdoor play environments in kindergartens. The study is based on 16 interviews with head teachers and pedagogical leaders in eight kindergartens across Norway, focusing on their experiences as leaders during these projects. The kindergartens and the authors are involved in the research project EnCompetence (Sandseter, 2017). The purpose of this study is to highlight aspects of leadership that are crucial when transforming physical environments for play and to identify the challenges and success factors in such processes.

Analysis of the interviews demonstrates that improving a physical environment involves a series of complex and demanding processes directly affected by leadership. Moreover, it shows that physical changes involve not only environments and materials, but also basic pedagogical issues. The results are discussed related to theories of leadership, learning organizations and leadership for change.