Expression of the function of managerial leadership in a comprehensive school Cover Image

Bendrojo lavinimo mokyklos vadovo vadybinių funkcijų raiška
Expression of the function of managerial leadership in a comprehensive school

Author(s): Valdonė Indrašienė, Odeta Merfeldaitė
Subject(s): Labor relations, State/Government and Education, Social development, Management and complex organizations, Policy, planning, forecast and speculation
Published by: Lietuvos verslo kolegija
Keywords: managerial functions; school heads; contemporary school;

Summary/Abstract: The current national or global society life requires constant changes in the school activity in order to ensure the progress of science and to meet every person‘s needs for acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills matching with the labour market needs. Science and education are one of the most important national development priorities stipulated in the National Sustainable Development Strategy (Official Gazette 2003). Lithuania’s development in the Provisions of the National Education Strategy for 2003-2012 (Official Gazette 2002) is projected by highlighting three priorities: knowledge society, safe society and competitive economy; it also envisages the responsible management system based on a regular analysis of the state of all education levels, management culture directed toward the development of education, information and participation (involvement) of society. Thus, in order to realise one of priority trends of the National Education Strategy it is necessary to ensure the education quality at school directly related to the management quality. Successful activity of a school as an organisation is predetermined by certain factors, features and prerequisites. In order to manage every day work of a multiple school team, a school head shall co-ordinate resolution of constantly emerging problems with the establishment and verification of an organisational structure. The Article analyses the function of managerial leadership in a contemporary school, peculiarities for application of management functions in an education institution, and highlights main managerial functions from the point of view of school heads of a contemporary school. Object of the survey: the approach of school heads toward the expression of managerial functions in school management. The following methods were applied for the achievement of the objective and tasks of the survey: analysis of scientific literature, questionnaire inquiry of school heads. The survey involved 206 directors and deputy directors of comprehensive schools within the Lithuanian municipalities. The analysis of the survey results revealed that the key areas of importance for school heads were planning, organisation, motivation and managerial functions in organising school activities. The key action in planning school activities is assessment of needs, setting the goals and establishment of operational plans. The most important action in organising school activities is establishment of working groups (teams). For a successful management of school activities it is instrumental to initiate and co-ordinate activities and to provide relevant information. According to school heads, the control of school activities requires strict work discipline and encouragement for changes. Less important actions for school teachers in planning school activities are: presentation of operational plans to society, anticipation of expected results and selection of operational methods; in organising activities of an educational institution: publicity of a school’s activity, distribution of resources, and establishment of responsibility areas or intercommunication. According to school heads, establishment of a strict work discipline and encouragement for changes are less important for the control of activities of an educational institution.

  • Issue Year: 17/2010
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 181-186
  • Page Count: 6
  • Language: Lithuanian