Secondary school principals' perceptions of the role and influence of school governing bodies in school governance and management
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Date
2002-01
Authors
Rabela, Edwin Zanele
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This research study presents an investigation into secondary school principal' s perceptions of the role and
influence of School Governing Bodies (SGB's) in school governance and managementin the disadvantaged
communities in South Africa.
The methodology employed in this investigation include a literature study on school governance and
management, the duties of School Governing Bodies and school principals in this regard as well as all the
possible management styles principals of secondary schools may employ in their day-to-day management
of their respective schools. An opinion survey of secondary school principals' views of the role and
influence of School Governing Bodies on their own day-to-day management of these schools was
subsequently undertaken by means of a questionnaire that was completed by a relatively small sample of
ten principals of secondary schools in the Mangaung area: An area occupied by a black community that
is still referred to as previously disadvantaged.
The results of the survey were finally interpreted in terms of four research questions pertaining to the
problem being investigated. The major conclusion the researcher has made, was that secondary school
principals in the so-called previously disadvantaged communities are seemingly influenced by the way their
respective School Governing Bodies govern these schools. It was therefore found that there is a relative
relationship between the management styles employed by these principals and the way the School
Governing Bodies perform their duties.
As far as the recommendations for this research study are concerned, the researcher was able to formulate
a variety of recommendations for various stakeholders with either a direct or indirect influence on the
management and governance of secondary schools in the disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
These stakeholders include the principals of secondary schools as well as their respective SGB's.
Recommendations for other education authorities at district, provincial and national level were formulated,
while a number of general recommendations for all stakeholders were also possible.
Effective management and good governance are the corner stones for successful teaching and learning and
therefore require concerted efforts of all stakeholders and interest parties.
Description
Keywords
School Governing Body (SGB), School principal, School governance, School management, Secondary school, Leadership style, Management style, Free State Department of Education, South African Schools Act (No. 84 of 1996), Educational management, Dissertation (M.Ed. (Management Education))--University of the Free State (South Campus), 2002