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Professional development programme for middle managers at schools
Author(s)
Joseph, Janine Marcelle
Date Issued
2005
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Peninsula Technikon
Abstract
In order for productive and positive interaction and growth to occur, schools need to be
regarded as organisations with a specific purpose and aim. This means that very definite
duties and responsibilities need to be structured to ensure that the organisation operates
smoothly and that it achieves its aims and goals. In turn, smooth organisational operation
will also determine its effectiveness and efficiency and the impact it has on educators,
learners and the community.
A professional development programme for middle managers might help to expand a
philosophy and practice, which could help to equip middle managers of primary schools
for a role in bringing about qualitative changes to address educational, needs. This study
attempts to investigate the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes required by middle
managers of Heads of Department (HODs) to be effective in their departments. This could
be used to develop a skills development programme for middle managers in primary
schools.
The study as a whole is set against the research literature on the professional development
of middle managers in primary schools and focuses on the following aspects: (I)
managing policy; (2) managing people; (3) managing teaching and learning and (4)
managing resources.
In the exploration of the management roles and responsibilities of middle managers in
primary schools. qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used in
investigating the research questions. The research instruments used in the study included
11
semi structured questionnaires, interviews and a focus-group workshop. After the
development of data collection instruments, data was collected through semi- structured
questionnaires from HODs at selected 18 primary schools. Interviews were also
conducted with four principals, one circuit manager, the Assistant Human Resources
Consultant and the Human Resource Coordinator of the WCED. A workshop was also
conducted with 35 BTech students to develop a framework for a management programme
for middle managers in primary schools.
The research study reveals the following aspects: (I) the Western Cape Education
department has no existing skills development policy for the training of middle managers
in primary schools; (2) research respondents identified a need for training in the
interpretation and formulation of policies within their various departments as well as
training in conflict management and counselling in order to successfully manage the
human resources in their department; (3) finance is available for the training of educators
but not specifically for middle managers, (4) educators prefer formal training above
informal training.
This thesis then examines, analyses and discusses these findings with recommendations
that follow in Chapter 5.
regarded as organisations with a specific purpose and aim. This means that very definite
duties and responsibilities need to be structured to ensure that the organisation operates
smoothly and that it achieves its aims and goals. In turn, smooth organisational operation
will also determine its effectiveness and efficiency and the impact it has on educators,
learners and the community.
A professional development programme for middle managers might help to expand a
philosophy and practice, which could help to equip middle managers of primary schools
for a role in bringing about qualitative changes to address educational, needs. This study
attempts to investigate the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes required by middle
managers of Heads of Department (HODs) to be effective in their departments. This could
be used to develop a skills development programme for middle managers in primary
schools.
The study as a whole is set against the research literature on the professional development
of middle managers in primary schools and focuses on the following aspects: (I)
managing policy; (2) managing people; (3) managing teaching and learning and (4)
managing resources.
In the exploration of the management roles and responsibilities of middle managers in
primary schools. qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used in
investigating the research questions. The research instruments used in the study included
11
semi structured questionnaires, interviews and a focus-group workshop. After the
development of data collection instruments, data was collected through semi- structured
questionnaires from HODs at selected 18 primary schools. Interviews were also
conducted with four principals, one circuit manager, the Assistant Human Resources
Consultant and the Human Resource Coordinator of the WCED. A workshop was also
conducted with 35 BTech students to develop a framework for a management programme
for middle managers in primary schools.
The research study reveals the following aspects: (I) the Western Cape Education
department has no existing skills development policy for the training of middle managers
in primary schools; (2) research respondents identified a need for training in the
interpretation and formulation of policies within their various departments as well as
training in conflict management and counselling in order to successfully manage the
human resources in their department; (3) finance is available for the training of educators
but not specifically for middle managers, (4) educators prefer formal training above
informal training.
This thesis then examines, analyses and discusses these findings with recommendations
that follow in Chapter 5.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Education))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town, 2005
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