An Investigation into The Role of Network Ties and The Management of Public Primary Schools in Luweero District

Abstract

The study focused on the role of network ties in the management of public primary schools in Luweero district. Three research objectives guided the study thus; (i) To examine headteachers’ perceptions regarding their role in the formation of network ties in public primary schools in Luweero district. (ii) To examine factors influencing the formation of network ties in public primary schools in Luweero district. (iii)To assess the effect of network ties on the management of public primary schools in Luweero district. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design using a mixed methods approach. The study population included education officers at the district headquarters and headteachers in public primary schools in Luweero district. A total of 5 education officers and 210 headteachers participated in the study. The study findings revealed that network ties are an important component in strengthening the management of public primary schools in Luweero district. Headteachers perceived their roles in the formation of network ties essentially as initiating ideas to promote collaborations among schools and sensitizing key stakeholders about the importance of network ties. The major factors influencing the formation of school network ties were mainly geographical proximity and religious affiliation of schools. It was noted that network ties are quite influential in the management of schools because they create an enabling environment for headteachers to acquire additional knowledge and skills as well as other resources needed to improve the performance of schools.