Transforming school management system using participative management approach in South Africa

Abstract

The South African educational system relies on school management. The link between good management and academic success is well-established. This study examined establishing participatory school management as part of secondary school reform in South Africa. The study sampled schools in KwaZulu-Natal's King Cetshwayo area. The relationship between participatory management and school reform was quantified. The study investigated school participatory management literature. Primary data was also collected from 25 school principals from 25 schools in King Cetshwayo's Nkandla, Richards Bay, uMlalazi, and uMthonjaneni circuits. The research suggests that most schools need participatory management to transform. Principals without participatory management methods may confront problems when administering their schools. Principals should promote this unique school management strategy. Thus, South African school principals should include other stakeholders in school management.