The role of the systems theory in school management in the North-West Province : a case study
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the Systems Theory in school management in the North West Province. Although the literature suggests that the systems theory could be used to manage systems as one whole unit, recent observations indicate that schools continue to face challenges with regard to school management. Thus, there is a need to assist members of School Management Teams(SMT's) with regard to Planning, Leading, Organising and Controlling (PLOC) using the systems theory. Two schools were selected in Rekopantswe Area Office, Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa. Eight participants were selected per school, thus making a total of sixteen participants. A qualitative approach was used in conducting this study. An interview questionnaire and an observation list were used to collect data from participants. This was done to capture data based on the experiences and perceptions of participants. The findings of the study revealed that most SMTs do not implement PLOC as an input, transformational process and output in accordance with the different stages of the systems theory. It is, therefore, concluded that the systems theory is not used in school management fu nctions of PLOC. It is therefore, recommended that SMTs should implement PLOC as an input, transformational process and output in accordance with the systems theory to ensure that SMTs manage the school as one whole instead of managing it as separate entities.
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