Abstract
M.Ed. (Education Management)
The subject of this investigation is the management function of the
provincial administration clerk in the school. The investigation is
limited to schools within the ambit of the Transvaal Education
Department and has been aimed, primarily, at determining the responsibilities and position of the administration clerk in the effective
functioning of the school.
As the administration office forms the nerve-centre of the school's
activities and due to its staff consistence of administration clerks,
a clear indication of their duties and responsibilities is an
essential management function of the school principal.
The investigation in regard to the functions of the senior provincial
administration clerk demonstrated that the school principal as the
management leader, must possess a thorough knowledge of administrative
matters. This is essential as he, being the in-service trainer, has
to suitably equip the senior provincial administration clerk with the
required knowledge and skills in order that she, in tum, can easily
perform as management leader of the school's administrative section.
In order to keep pace with change and modernisation, the school principal
and administration clerks must be prepared to attend in-service training
courses. Moreover, they must gain knowledge on their own accord through
the reading of circular letters, catalogues, manuals and also keep
abreast of technological development such as the modern micro computer,
word processor as well as facsimile and duplicating machines.
The services of a good administration clerk are indispensable to the
school principal as well as the educator. Qualities which the
administration clerk must possess include reliability, loyalty,
responsibility, willingness to help, tact, courtesy, charm, enterprise
and patience. AIthough the educator cannot be relieved of all
administrative responsibilities, the school principal must nevertheless
reflect seriously about administrative responsibilities that should
not really be undertaken by the educator. By entrusting responsibilities
such as the processing of marks, compiling of class lists, raising
of funds, transport arrangements, controlling of stock, duplicating work...