The management role of the circuit manager in the implementation of transformation policies with particular reference to the North West Province

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to determine the roles of circuit managers in the implementation of new policies, and the essential strategies needed for effective implementation. Furthermore the study carefully examines past and current guidelines for policy implementation. This is done to determine the challenges and critical competencies for circuit managers with the ultimate aim of developing implementation guidelines for the new policies by circuit managers. Little has been written about the implementation of new policies guidelines for circuit managers in developing countries like South Africa. Similarly, little attention is given to support them in policy implementation and monitoring. The subjects of this study are circuit managers and Secondary Schools principals. Results from the 58 circuits managers, and, a random sample of 150 secondary principals were analysed. The study reveals that circuit managers in developing countries like South Africa are more concerned about lack of support and recognition to their position as policy implementers. Further concern is also placed at circuit office levels ranging from the shortages of transport, communication equipments and personnel, that is, both professional and administrative staff Other concerns also revealed are the inhibiting role of the educator unions in the implementation of policy. It also reveals that circuit managers need self confidence, flexible strategies, critical competencies and the necessary skills for effective policy implementation. On the basis of the challenges and skills identified from both the literature and the empirical study, implementation guidelines for circuit managers in the North West were developed. The new policy implementation guidelines consists of four phases as follows: pre-implementation, actualisation; cascading and monitoring. Each and every phase has a set of objectives to be realised. Furthermore, the guideline also takes into account the role of the various key stakeholders like teachers unions and parental bodies hence the development of the management structure. The main purpose of the management structure is to facilitate implementation of new policies. The study recommends that reorientation programmes should be mounted to help circuit managers implement new policies effectively and such programmes should include amongst other things, factors like the resources, objectives and aims of such policies.