Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish the importance of a good working relationship between principals and school board members (SBMs) in Zambezi region. The study adopted a qualitative research design approach. The data was gathered using interviews. In this study, the researchers worked with principals and SBMs in Zambezi region, Namibia. For the purpose of the study, the researcher selected five principals, nine teacher SBMs, ten parent SBMs and four learners’ representative council members (LRCs) from primary, combined and senior secondary schools in the Zambezi region. The reason for selecting the twenty-eight participants was their involvement as members of school boards in the Zambezi region. A qualitative data analysis (QDA) was employed in this study. The findings derived from principals’ comments revealed that, when there was a good working relationship between principals and SBMs, it became easier to maintain discipline among learners at the school. Good performance and good academic results of learners could be achieved at the school. The majority of principals and teacher SBMs seemed to be working together in ensuring that the school achieved the targeted goals and objectives. Principals and SBMs are important partners when it comes to the smooth running of the school. It was revealed from the findings derived from the comments of principals that the importance of a good working relationship with SBMs was the development of unity and trust. It was revealed from the findings derived from the comments of principals, parent SBMs and LRCs serving on the school board that the importance of a good working relationship also related to consultations on matters regarding school development. From the findings of this paper, the researcher can confirm that, to work properly, principals and SBMs should have a healthy working relationship.
Highlights
Fullan (2012: p. 1) posits that building relationships is one of the components of leadership
It was revealed from the findings derived from the comments of principals, parent school board members (SBMs) and learners’ representative council members (LRCs) serving on the school board that the importance of a good working relationship related to consultations on matters regarding school development
Category 2: Achievement of targeted goals and objectives Michael, principal of School Three, pointed out that the importance of good working relationship with parent SBMs was that the school would achieve its targeted goals and objectives
Summary
Fullan (2012: p. 1) posits that building relationships is one of the components of leadership. 1) posits that building relationships is one of the components of leadership. The principal should make relationship building a priority for meaningful results in the school. It is argued that the best principal spends an intense amount of time on developing, improving and investing in relationships. This is supported by Spicer 10) acknowledges that principals, who can build relationships with SBMs and interact with them, hold the central elements for creating a positive school climate. In order to create a positive school climate, principals must be consummate relationship builders within groups, especially with SBMs. When principals lead by example and work to build trust, shared values and a shared vision, working relationships improve and SBMs are happier with their jobs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
