An Investigation on Policy Implementation by Primary School Principals in the Free State Province: A Management Pesrpective

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate policy implementation by primary school principals in the Free State Province. The investigation was prompted by the realisation that there were numerous incidents of poor policy implementation in the primary schools, which in some cases had a negative effect on how primary schools were managed. The factors promoting effective management of primary schools were studied. The study revealed that school policies are one of the factors which promote effective management of primary schools and must be adhered to. The researcher subsequently made an in-depth study of the problems emanating from poor policy implementation in primary schools in the Free State Province. The study found that there are primary school policies that are not properly or effectively implemented in some primary schools in the Free State Province. As a result, these primary schools experience numerous management problems. In the empirical research, data were collected by means of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The findings from collected data supported evidence collected from the literature study that some primary schools do not apply or adhere to school policies of the Free State Department of Education and the Department of Basic Education. The study identified the policies not complied with and the extent to which they were not complied with. The study also found that non-compliance with school policies can have a negative impact on school management. Furthermore, inadequate provision of resources and facilities by the Department of Education can also lead to the non-compliance of some policies. The study concludes with recommendations to address the identified deficiencies as well as with a programme designed to address the problems of poor policy implementation in primary schools.