Secondary school principals' perceptions of the role and influence of school governing bodies in school governance and management

[摘要] This research study presents an investigation into secondary school principal' s perceptions of the role andinfluence of School Governing Bodies (SGB's) in school governance and managementin the disadvantagedcommunities in South Africa.The methodology employed in this investigation include a literature study on school governance andmanagement, the duties of School Governing Bodies and school principals in this regard as well as all thepossible management styles principals of secondary schools may employ in their day-to-day managementof their respective schools. An opinion survey of secondary school principals' views of the role andinfluence of School Governing Bodies on their own day-to-day management of these schools wassubsequently undertaken by means of a questionnaire that was completed by a relatively small sample often principals of secondary schools in the Mangaung area: An area occupied by a black community thatis still referred to as previously disadvantaged.The results of the survey were finally interpreted in terms of four research questions pertaining to theproblem being investigated. The major conclusion the researcher has made, was that secondary schoolprincipals in the so-called previously disadvantaged communities are seemingly influenced by the way theirrespective School Governing Bodies govern these schools. It was therefore found that there is a relativerelationship between the management styles employed by these principals and the way the SchoolGoverning Bodies perform their duties.As far as the recommendations for this research study are concerned, the researcher was able to formulatea variety of recommendations for various stakeholders with either a direct or indirect influence on themanagement 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 andtherefore require concerted efforts of all stakeholders and interest parties.

[发布机构] University of the Free State