Towards promoting efficiency and effectiveness in the primary schools of Namibia through effective leadership and management

Abstract

Soon after independence in 1990 the Namibian Government embarked on the transformation of education which previously had a philosophy based on undemocratic principles with a purpose of making it respond to the new culture of governance based on democratic principles and values. The change brings major challenges to the role of educational leaders and managers at educational offices and schools whose leadership determines the success of their organisation. This study therefore, examines the role the schools' leadership and management play in promoting efficiency and effectiveness in the primary schools of Namibia. A review of literature relating to effective and efficient school leadership and management theory provides a theoretical framework for the study. The areas of vision and goal setting; decision making; communication; commitment; leadership and management style; resource management; instructional leadership and professional development were identified for the study in primary school leadership and management in eight primary schools in the Windhoek Education Region. Using a semi-structured approach, eight primary school principals, twenty-two middle managers, eight senior teachers, and six school inspectors were interviewed. Interviewees were encouraged to identify situations and incidents in practice in the primary schools of Namibia, and also what they perceive to be the necessary qualities for a primary school principal which will enable him/her to lead and manage the school effectively. The study observed that one of the factors of promoting efficient and effective primary school leadership and management is to appoint teachers with the necessary leadership and management skills into leadership and management positions in schools. Both the newly-appointed leaders and managers and the experienced ones need continuous in-service training to enable them cope with their demanding task of being in the centre of decision-making, and be the cornerstone in promoting efficiency and effectiveness in the schools.