Strategic leadership challenges at secondary schools : the case of Breyten Circuit in Mpumalanga

Abstract

This study was initiated by the need to identify and analyse the multiple challenges that people in leadership positions are facing in Breyten Circuit public schools, in Mpumalanga Province. These challenges have resulted in poor work–related performances within the Breyten Circuit. The challenges have been investigated within the scope of this study by means of the following research objectives: · Providing a general theoretical and practical background of leadership issues at schools in Mpumalanga, South Africa; · Determining the theories, principles and models of strategic leadership; · Exploring the roles and job descriptions of leadership in public schools; · Providing empirical evidence based on a survey on the strategic leadership challenges at Breyten Circuit schools and scientifically analysing them; · Making recommendations based on the findings in assisting leadership at secondary schools to overcome the identified challenges. A literature review was undertaken in order to determine the approach to the collection and analysis of strategic leadership challenges. Data were collected from identified respondents in participating sampled schools through questionnaires and structured interviews. The data were sent to the Statistical Consultation Services at the North–West University, Potchefstroom Campus, for scientific analysis. The study found that some members in leadership were not aware of their roles and responsibilities resulting in their failing to execute them well. It was also noted that there were policy–related challenges that were possibly contributing to underperformance in these schools. Recommendations for future studies were presented based on the findings of the empirical study (chapter 5).