ANNUAL REPORT 2018
PRODUCING KNOWLEDGE
Understanding
leadership
KU
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As the most experienced provider
in Australia, with many high-
quality services and an impressive
record of involvement in research,
it is unsurprising that KU is a
sought after partner in studies
attempting to understand and
improve outcomes for children and
families. As we aim to position
KU at the forefront of knowledge
production that informs and guides
the early childhood education
sector, the current Strategic Plan is
also accompanied by a significant
investment in advancing KU’s own
research agenda.
There is no doubt that KU is
recognised and respected for our
leadership attributes at all levels of
the organisation and sector. With this
in mind, KU took the unprecedented
and progressive step of investing in
a KU commissioned and led study,
to better understand how leadership
within KU contributes to our success,
and in 2018 the Leadership in KU
research project was born.
Whilst leadership is recognised
as an essential component of
quality early childhood education
organisations, the concept remains
largely undefined. National and
international research has highlighted
the need for further investigation into
the evidence base that supports a
highly skilled workforce, and enables
effective and emerging leadership.
Accordingly, this study will shine
light on the complex early childhood
education
environment
and
illuminate the characteristics of
effective leadership within KU and the
profession. At an individual and group
level, researchers will investigate the
organisation’s leadership framework,
assets and resources, attitudes
and practices, relationships and
reputation. As we respond to 21 st
century challenges and opportunities,
this project will also identify the
architectures, systems and change
agents within KU that enhance
leadership, support innovation, and
build future ready organisations.
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A highly respected research team
was assembled, and planning was
undertaken for this groundbreaking
study to be carried out in 2019. It has
been designed based on research
methodology involving extensive
stakeholder engagement, and at the
highest standard of academic rigour
and ethics.
Ultimately KU’s findings will inform
and influence the way KU and other
organisations enact leadership in the
future and add to credible information
and evidence for discussion at sector,
political and academic levels.
As the Leadership in KU research
project produces new ways of
thinking about leadership in early
education, KU is expanding on the
existing legacy of research informed
practice, and contributing to a sector
culture of preparedness for, and
responsiveness to change.