Leadership in Uncertainty: Improvisation and Positioning in Municipal Adult Education
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| Title: | Leadership in Uncertainty: Improvisation and Positioning in Municipal Adult Education |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Fred Carlo Andersen (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Adult and Continuing Education. 2025 31(2):439-459. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 21 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Adult Education |
| Descriptors: | Municipalities, Adult Education, Principals, Foreign Countries, Educational Administration, Decision Making, Educational Planning, Administrator Role, Educational Practices, Ambiguity (Context), Problem Solving |
| Geographic Terms: | Norway |
| DOI: | 10.1177/14779714241247006 |
| ISSN: | 1477-9714 1479-7194 |
| Abstract: | This study examines how six principals in Norwegian adult education centres (AECs) navigate and make sense of and navigate the multifaceted and uncertain environment in which they act. Specifically, the study aims to explore the significance of improvisation and positioning in the principals' day-to-day decision-making and leadership as they address the challenges posed by complex migration patterns, shifting policies, and diverse student populations. The principles were interviewed in spring 2018, and selected to represent the diversity of such centres. Through initial analyses, the study identified that the environment of AECs was characterised by complexity, unpredictability, and uncertainty. Moreover, results indicate that improvisation and planning interplay. In addition, improvisation is strengthened by a collective focus on improvement, unpredictability as a rule and diversity as a strategy. Regarding leadership understood as positioning, we see how the principals assert their roles through power dynamics, acting on potential for change, and collaboration. Recognising the unique challenges faced by AEC principals, there is a need for targeted support and professional development that addresses the importance and understanding of improvisation and positioning in AEC-leadership. Moving forward, our findings should have implications for research, policy, and practice in municipal adult education. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1473844 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study examines how six principals in Norwegian adult education centres (AECs) navigate and make sense of and navigate the multifaceted and uncertain environment in which they act. Specifically, the study aims to explore the significance of improvisation and positioning in the principals' day-to-day decision-making and leadership as they address the challenges posed by complex migration patterns, shifting policies, and diverse student populations. The principles were interviewed in spring 2018, and selected to represent the diversity of such centres. Through initial analyses, the study identified that the environment of AECs was characterised by complexity, unpredictability, and uncertainty. Moreover, results indicate that improvisation and planning interplay. In addition, improvisation is strengthened by a collective focus on improvement, unpredictability as a rule and diversity as a strategy. Regarding leadership understood as positioning, we see how the principals assert their roles through power dynamics, acting on potential for change, and collaboration. Recognising the unique challenges faced by AEC principals, there is a need for targeted support and professional development that addresses the importance and understanding of improvisation and positioning in AEC-leadership. Moving forward, our findings should have implications for research, policy, and practice in municipal adult education. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1477-9714 1479-7194 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/14779714241247006 |
