Racionalidad instrumental y prácticas de gestión en jefes técnicos de liceos de la Araucania

Abstract

The aim of this research was to discover the rationality that underlie the management practices of the heads of the technical pedagogical units at high schools allocated in social vulnerability contexts in the Araucania region. Data collection was made using semi-structured interviews and critical reading of written texts. The participants were 24 technical heads of staff and 28 teachers from each one of the High Schools. A qualitative descriptive method was contemplated with an instrumental case study design based on the constructivist Grounded Theory and the constant comparative method. Findings show the lack of consideration of epistemological criteria regarding the general functions that these technical staff must achieve. Furthermore, the practices of the technical personnel are guided from an "instrumental rationality", which is secured in the conduction based on the control and power given to them thanks to their position.