The Effects of Human Resource Management Deficits on Science Education in Basic School Management

Abstract

The assessment of human resource management (HRM) policies and programs of teachers and management under Ghana Education Service (GES) has been studied, centering mainly on the science teachers of Presbyterian Senior High School, Tema, Ghana. The study examined how Ghanaian public school administration is affected by the absence of human resource managers. It assessed how well policies and programs operate to inspire teachers and enhance their welfare. The research findings indicated that the source of recruitment of science tutors to the Ghana Education Service was from educational universities and colleges. Nevertheless, other policies have been unsuccessful in bridging the gap between teaching professionals and their deserved welfare and other basic needs since the Human Resource Directorate of GES is situated at the district education office which science teachers have no direct contact, to direct their needs. Government School administrators most often lack HRM qualifications which leads them to always focus on teachers' supervision and not consider their well-being. Again, strategic policies like postings, recruitment, and maternity leave were found to meet the expectation of the teachers. Furthermore, policies and programs on study leave, in-service training, orientation, and job description have not met the expectations by staff. The work recommended that GES human resource personnel should be added to the administrative hierarchy in schools to help in policy implementation. It was also suggested that the Ministry of Education and the education service provides the right remuneration that can cater for the teacher’s basic needs such as accommodation and adequate learning materials to facilitate his work.