Management experiences of two women principals in high schools at Obonjeni District in KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date
2011
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women principals in high schools
when executing their management functions at Obonjeni District. It is hoped that the study
would contribute to the understanding of the challenges woman principals encounter on their
work and how they dealt with them.
The methodology used was qualitative. A case study method was adopted. Data was gathered
through semi-structured interviews with two school principals, two deputy principals and four
heads of department in two selected high schools. Documentary analysis was used to
triangulate data obtained through the interviews. Two high schools at Obonjeni District were
purposively selected for the study. The data gathered was transcribed, coded, organised into
themes, categories and sub-categories. Finally, the data was analysed using content analysis
technique.
The study was located in feminist theory; this is because what is happening in high schools
today can be explained in terms of assertions made in feminist theory. This theory provides
an explanation as to why women are under-represented in management positions.
Findings indicate that staff members that were of the view that women principals were
incapable of leading based this view on gender stereotypes, societal norms and cultural
factors. Furthermore, some staff members view female principals as capable of managing and
providing effective leadership in high schools. The study also revealed that women principals
experience challenges, but despite them, they managed to perform their official duties
effectively and also provided good leadership quality in these schools.
The study recommended that in-service training, sufficient workshops and seminars must be
organised to empower women in leadership positions. Again, it was recommended that
women principals must avail themselves with numerous educational opportunities to upgrade
their knowledge.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2011.
Keywords
Women school principals--KwaZulu-Natal--Obonjeni District., Theses--Education.