Bestuurstrategieë vir die optimalisering van die sorgfunksie van die skoolhoof

Abstract

Research problem: This research revolved around the problem: Which management strategies could be formulated and used in the caring role of the principal with regard to the educators? Research aims: Arising from the problem, the aim of the research was firstly to describe the nature and determinants of the caring role of the principal with regard to the educator. Secondly, to determine empirically to which extent school principals fulfil their caring role with regard to educators in primary schools of the North–West Province. Finally the aim was to develop management strategies in order to optimise the caring role of the principal. To address the aim of the research, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken, followed by an empirical investigation. Research methodology: In the empirical investigation, quantitative methodology was used in the format of survey research, which is embedded in the post positivist paradigm. The instrument used for data collection was a postal questionnaire, based on the literature review. The validity and reliability of the instrument was determined. Collected data was analysed by means of different statistical techniques, these techniques included frequency analysis, t–tests, ANOVA's, post hoc t–tests and paired t–tests. In the discussion of the results descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Development of management strategies The results of the literature review as well as the empirical investigation were taken into account during the development of the management strategy. Separate management strategies were developed in addressing the three main determinants of the caring role, as identified in the literature review. In the management strategies, the identified problems were focussed in specific aims, which were then addressed by action steps. The success of the strategy were then determined with specific evaluation measures. Main findings Finding with regard to the expansion of the theory. That the caring role of the principal establishes a managerial leadership approach within the human capital theory, where the principal cares in a self–sacrificing way about the well–being of the educator in the school as organisation. Finding with regard to the improvement of caring practice. That the levels of emotional intelligence of principals need to be developed and that emotional intelligence should be taken into account during the selection process with the aim of appointment of school principals. Finding with regard to optimising the caring relationship between the principal and the educator. That educators want principals to cross the professional line to a greater extent towards a more personal (work–) relationship with them. Recommendations: Finally the recommendation is when new principals are appointed, apart from the usual interviews, psychological evaluations by qualified industrial psychologists should also be used. With regard to current principals, the recommendation is that they use self–evaluation questionnaires which should be filled in by both themselves and the educators. From the results of these evaluations, actions such as further psychological interventions or attending development opportunities can follow.