Educators' perceptions on the role of the principal on the effective management of change in the District of Mabopane, Bojana East Region of the North West Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine educators' perception on the role of the principal on the effective management of change in schools, in the district of Mabopane, Bojanala East Region of the North West Province. Virtually, little has been documented about the educators' perception on the role of the principal on the effective management of change. Similarly, little attention is paid to supporting the principals on the effective management of change in schools. The study was confined to educators of 25 primary schools, in Mabopane District, Bojanala East Region. The random sampling technique was used to select n=25 primary schools, out of 178 primary schools. In each school, 14 staff members were given questionnaires to respond to in a given time, giving a total of 350 respondents. The study revealed that there are rapid changes that are brought about by the government, which makes it difficult for managers to manage change and implement it effectively. And also the principal on managing change should not avoid the demands of the society for increasing efficiency and effectiveness. The principal should encourage the stakeholders to participate and to be actively involved so that they could own change. Principals experienced challenges to exercise authority and dealing with stakeholders who resisted change. On the basis of challenges experienced by the principals on the effective management of change, professional development programmes for school principals in the form of workshop and well-structured orientation are recommended before imposing changes.