Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Management)
Contented, motivated and well-trained subject teachers are a basic
requirement for the effective functioning of the Department of Economic
Sciences. Within this department the quality of the in-service
training provided by the Head of Department will be a high priority.
A prerequisite for the successful accomplishment of his task as in service
trainer and developer of staff members is, amongst other
things, the managerial application of in-service training strategies.
In this education environment, the Head of Department finds himself in
a prescribed management, leadership and trainer situation. Though he
has not been formally trained for this delegated task of in-service
training, he is directly involved in personnel management.
It is clear, however, that in most organisations in-service training
and staff development do not receive the required attention from those
in leadership positions. Moreover, some Heads of Department experience
difficulty in practicing effective leadership and guidance because of a
lack of management expertise. In order to ensure both quality teaching
in his department and efficient execution of his in-service training
task he has to apply managerial skills. Thus this investigation proves
that the Head of Department should not only be professionally equipped,
but should also possess certain managerial skills in order to be able
to undertake the in-service training of his staff.
Staff training further indicates the management of people, each with
their own unique needs and specific capabilities. It seems that members
of staff can be motivated towards better work and self-realization.
It is thus imperative that the Head of Department should be
informed as to the various theories regarding motivation and that he
should apply the principles involved. The investigation also shows
that practicing leadership is a critical factor which influences the
effective execution of the staff training task. Various approaches to
leadership have shown that, although the leadership style may be
situation bound, it is the democratic style which creates an open,
supportive school climate.