Development of a leadership model for public schools

Abstract

This thesis describes a model for developing and implementing leadership strategies in any public school and Education Department in South Africa. To shape this model, first of all, a general literature review was undertaken. Transformational, transactional, developmental, competency-based and instructional leadership, as well as leadership styles, leadership principles, the human dynamics of leadership, qualities of leadership and the role of leadership in change were researched and studied. Although the National Education Department and the Western Cape Education Department place great emphasis on effective leadership, newly appointed educational leaders and managers often feel they would have liked more induction and training regarding leadership than they received. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has programmes whereby they do capacity-building work sessions with educational leaders. The mentioned programmes are mostly held once a year for newly appointed leaders in education over a period of two days. An educational leader can only attend a work session once. The educational leader has a great responsibility towards all stakeholders and must therefore be well equipped as a leader. However, many problems regarding the lack of leadership skills, effectiveness, managing of the curriculum, staff and resources in schools have necessitated the Western Cape Education Department to bring out a circular on effective leadership, emphasising the role and responsibilities of the educational leader regarding effective leadership and management. The Education Department wants to maintain the efficacy of academic, leadership and managerial standards at schools. A well structured developmental, corrective training mechanism is an attempt to deal with the poor work performance and abilities of principals and senior staff members. The national minister of education, Mrs. Grace Naledi Pandor now recently made a announcement that she intend to empower educational leaders through workshops in 2006 regarding their responsibilities, leadership capacity, and effectiveness. Against this background, the researcher undertook a survey to determine the extent to which leadership strategies are being employed at schools in the Western Cape. A questionnaire Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) was used to gather information and data. Structured interviews and a focus group discussion were also held.