Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Management)
The aim of this research is to assess the management role of the
principal of a state-aided school with regard to the management of
general assistants employed by the governing body of such a school.
To ensure efficient management, the principal must implement the
principles of planning, organizing leadership and control in the process
of managing general assistants. Planning should be aimed at reaching
short-term goals while a more mechanistic and bureaucratic
organizational structure will be more effective. Communication and
interaction with general assistants are prerequisites for efficient
leadership. Duties performed by general assistants must be
continuously controlled to ensure that the activities are in line with
the goals of the school.
The principal is essentially a manager of human resources and therefore
also a personnel manager. In respect of general assistants, labour
unrest must be prevented. This task represents a new dimension of
management for principals of state-aided schools where labour relations
have become an important issue.
As of 1 September 1988, the Labour Relations Act (Act 28 of 1956) is
applicable to black general assistants employed at state-aided
schools. Therefore the management of state-aided schools must take
cognisance of the mechanisms for collective bargaining, namely,
industrial councils, conciliation boards, mediation, arbitration and the
Industrial Court.
Collective bargaining takes place between an employer and a workers'
union representing the employees.