Die leierskaprol van die departementshoof in sekondêre skole

Abstract

The value of heads of department in the management of their departments and the school is currently not fully utilised or taken into consideration by the different role players in education. In many cases the appointment as head of departments is rather experienced as just another level in the educator's career to become a principle. The specific responsibilities and roles, coupled to this post, are not fully realised. The effectiveness of heads of departments as appointed managers in the school can only by determined through the degree in which they can provide guidance. The training of managers is traditionally placed in the forefront, but in changing times and progress rather endeavours to find a leader who can activate, motivate and effectively communicate. The objective of this research is to determine which roles in education are fulfilled by heads of department as leaders, and to what degree there is a need to develop the leadership skills of heads of department. To achieve the objective of the research, it was necessary to firstly determine what leadership roles, functions and skills are expected of heads of department in secondary schools and why leadership development for heads of department is important. A literature study on the determinants of leadership in general and applicable to the head of department was then done. Focus was also placed on the models used to determine leadership training of heads of department. After a questionnaire was distributed to representative secondary schools in the Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp districts and responses statistically analysed, was it possible to draw a number of correlations and make recommendations. iii The general impression created by the results was that heads of department do have a need for the development of their leadership skills. The cause of this is in all probability the dynamic nature of the education environment in South Africa and the lack of effective leadership in the management of change. The deduction can justly be made that it is essential that formal attention by paid to now and in the future. The training of teachers must without a doubt deal with elements of leadership. When the preceding requirements are met and when the Department of Education continuously present empowerment workshops on this subject, it will definitely lead to more effective and heads of department.