How do school management teams (SMTs) experience teamwork. A case study in the Tshwane North district schools

Abstract

Democracy in South Africa, among others, has brought a significant number of changes in the education system, including the concept of school management team (SMT) in schools. This article focuses and sought to unpack the experience of SMT members regarding teamwork. It has the potential of helping SMT members by empowering them with knowledge and skills which will assist them to share their leadership widely and equally to education; and enable the SMT to realise that teamwork is central in the efficient and effective school management. Interviews were conducted with twelve SMT members from six secondary schools in Tshwane North district, sampled using purposive sampling. Among others, this study has found that, although the concept of teamwork is well-received, there are significant obstacles to the implementation of teamwork as an alternative form of management.