The impact of the management practices of principals on the school climate in public schools

Abstract

There is a growing body of research that indicates that effective management of school resources influences learning and teaching (Chiu & Khoo, 2005; Murtin, 2013). Arguably, schools with better management tend to have better performance on a wide range of dimensions; they are more productive, grow faster and achieve better academic achievement result (Williams, Kirst & Haertel, 2005). It is, therefore, crucial to have effective leaders who will manage the education system towards national goals. According to the Department of Basic Education (2016), all learners have the right to have access to relevant and meaningful learning experiences and opportunities. Further to this, the school community has the right to a safe and secure learning environment, otherwise known as good school climate (Kelley, Thornton & Daugherty, 2005). This brings about the importance of the principals of the school who have the responsibility for resource management and the effectiveness of learning in the school. The study on the impact of the principals’ management practices on school climate of public secondary schools in Pretoria is important to understand how to improve the standard of education in South Africa. Relatively little previous research has investigated the mechanisms by which a principal’s management practices pose an effect on the school climate. The current study examined the impact of the principal’s management practices on the school climate by sampling teachers and non-teaching staffs from three schools in Pretoria, Gauteng province. The school climate was measured with the three sub-scale of organisational climate index (collegial leadership, professional and principal’s leadership). Survey data was obtained from school teachers to measure the staff’s perception of their principal’s management practices. This study reveals the effect of the management practices of principals in motivating teachers to perform, remain loyal to their schools and support the principals even when it seems there are several challenges. On the other hand, the management practices of principals create context and some positive school climates for teachers working in these schools.