Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the practices of principals in participating
stakeholders in school decision-making of secondary schools of West Arsi Zone. To conduct
this study a descriptive survey method was employed. A total of 196 respondents (139
teachers, 6 principals, 9 vice principals, 6 supervisors, 6 PTAs heads and 30 student councils)
were included in the study. The teacher respondents were selected by stratified random
sampling method while principals, vice principals, supervisors, PTAs heads and student
councils were selected by available sampling method. The data were gathered through
questionnaire, interview, focus group discussion and document analysis. Data gathered
through questionnaire were analyzed using percentage, weighted mean and independent
sample t-test. Data obtained through interview and document analysis were qualitatively
analyzed. The study revealed that the practices of principals in enhancing participatory
decision-making in all areas of school decision-making of secondary schools in general was
unsatisfactory; and stakeholders participated most in issues related to school curriculum
and least in school planning, budget and income generation, and school building. Principals
in encouraging stakeholders’ participation in school decision-making were found to be
ineffective. Absence of participatory school leadership, lack of trust between stakeholders and
principals, lack of transparency, lack of motivation, ineffective communication, lack of
delegation of authority and responsibility were some of the factors that were found to have
impeded stakeholders to participate in school decision-making. It was thus concluded that
stakeholders role in school decision-making not have been given due attentions in this study.
This is likely to affect the overall activities of school in general and decision-making process
in particular. Finally, it was recommended that zonal education office should facilitate
condition in which trained and committed principals in school administrative will be assigned
who can empower stakeholders to participate in school decision-making processes.
