Personnel management: a case study of selected schools in Mpumalanga Province

This study was undertaken to assess whether well-managed personnel could assist in resolving problems in secondary schools. Attention was focused on the increasingly unmanageable task regarding personnel management in secondary schools. The complexities and challenges of educational management make it impossible for secondary schools to function effectively if they are not properly managed. Secondary school principals have to involve the entire personnel in the management of a school. The involvement of deputy principals, heads of departments, subject heads and senior teachers should be of invaluable assistance. There are a number of factors that contribute to the effective management of school personnel, namely: effective leadership; open communication channels; sound human relations; a healthy atmosphere in the school; motivation; organisation; control; authority and shared decision-making. It was concluded that univeral management concepts, namely, personnel management, moti-vation, involvement, decision-making and educational models should be considered in personnel management. with prayers, patience and understanding in order to pursue this academic enterprise.