Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Management)
The problem which initiated, this research project can
probably be found in the professional experience of
resedential hostel staff. The problem is that ineffective
selection of senior housemasters who are not equipped to
handle administrative matters probably impedes effective
hostel management, furthermore, this implies that such a
senior housemaster lacks the necessary insight and skills to
plan, maintain and promote hostel effectiveness. It is
against this background that the purpose of this research
project should be viewed.
In order to realise the objectives set, screening and selection
have been chosen as prerequisites for the appointment- of
a senior housemaster. The purpose of screening and selection
is to appoint the most efficient person for the post. The research
project seems to indicate that personal interviews with
candidates for managerial posts can be very valuable as far as
screening and selection are concerned. Although an interview
must be structured, research has also shown that at times the
wrong person has been selected in a managerial post.
Furthermore the lack of in-service training of senior housemasters
has been explicated. This project has attempted to
clearly define the hostel policy as a frame of reference for
in-service training. Special attention has been paid to the
managerial functions of planning, organizing, guidance and
control as guidelines for in-service training. These
managerial functions ought to be a calculated action in the
hostel policy. It has furthermore been proven that a need for
training arises if an inefficient person is appointed as
senior housemaster. The success of in-service training is
always linked to effective programme development and effective
evaluation that in turn is based on valid norms and standards.
The managerial duty of the senior housemaster is carried out
within a fixed organizing structure.