Abstract:
The aim of the study was to investigate the role of school managers in staff
development. The problem perceived by the researcher was that this role seemed to
be unclear and undefined.
To achieve this aim, aspects of staff development such as motivation, leadership style,
mentorship, communication and conflict resolution were explored. The objective
was, among others, to assist ways that can assist school managers to manage staff
development effectively.
The research involved methodological triangulation in the sense that both the
questionnaire and observation were utilised in collecting and processing quantitative
and qualitative data respectively.
The findings, inter alia, revealed the following outcomes:
• School managers agree that having a mentor helps educators to perform better
in their schools.
• School managers do provide sufficient development training to all educators.
School managers do, in fact, promote communication and conflict resolution
amongst staff members.
• Educators were provided with ample opportunities for development through
meetings and workshops.
The following recommendations were made within the context of the research
outcomes:
• Training of school managers.
Prize-giving events for meritorious educators.
• Regular class visits and staff meetings.
The importance of a balanced school component is the primary responsibility of
school managers. Staff development should therefore be a crucial and most important
aspect within an education milieu, if school managers want to transform their schools
into quality schools.
