PRACTICES OF PRINCIPALS IN ENHANCING PARTICIPATORY DECISION-MAKING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF WEST ARSI ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

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.