Striking a Balance between Centralized and Decentralized Decision Making: A School-Based Management Practice for Optimum Performance

Abstract

School decision-making promotes school autonomy and success. Today’s contemporary approach supports the idea that operative school functioning and development are characteristically accomplished when there is decentralized decision-making. However, less attention has been paid to the collective benefits of centralized and decentralized decision-making. Hence, it is desirable to study balanced decision-making in a centralized and decentralized structure. An extensive search of major databases was undertaken which identified 35,822 studies on the subject wherein 9 met the inclusion criteria. Employing a systematic literature review, data were extracted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two themes arose from the analysis of the studies such as decision-making as a school-based management practice, and decision-making towards school performance. Studies engrossed on the heart of decision-making in the sociological perspective of school management. It also shows that combining both centralized and decentralized approaches is indispensable for leading and enhancing education. As a result, the literature pointed to the following discussion points, which are areas that require further research: (1) decision-making practices among school principals, and (2) decision-making on school operating expenses and expenditures.