Abstract

Purpose

Examine the authority and power of kindergarten superintendents in public education to elucidate their leadership dynamics.

Design

Semi-structured interviews with 24 Israeli kindergarten teachers about the authority and power of their superintendents. Thematic analysis was used to construct a description of two overarching authority categories: formal and informal.

Findings

Within the realm of formal authority, two prevalent leadership types were discerned: bureaucratic management and management by exception. Each type incorporated distinct strategies for influencing teachers and coping with organizational challenges. Three predominant informal leadership types emerged— authoritarian, empowering, and pedagogical—reflecting different approaches to influencing kindergarten teachers. The study elucidates the power base that underpins each leadership type, describing the resources superintendents use for influence and leverage.

Originality

The importance of the study lies in providing valuable insights into the authority and power of kindergarten superintendent leadership in a centralized public early childhood system.