Abstract
M.Ed.
In chapter one an exposition of the purpose of this study was given. The problem
statement was presented and demarcated into the specific research problem and
overall research problem. The aims and objectives of the aforesaid problems were
explained. The research methodology used in this study was also stated as a
literature review and quantitative research. Concepts, which were used in this study,
were clarified.
Chapter two concentrates on a literature review to establish what other theorists in
three countries say about this specific function of governing bodies in South Africa
namely: "make recommendations to the Head of Department regarding the
appointment of educators".
In chapter three the design of the research instrument was discussed. The
questionnaire, consisting of 101 open-ended items based on research done by
Bisschoff and students, was discussed. The theoretical construct, around which the
function revolves, were tabulated. Questions pertinent specifically to the mentioned
function of governing bodies were discussed.
Members of school governing bodies were sampled. Of the 1000 questionnaires
distributed, 888 were returned in a usable format with a return rate of 88,8%.
An analysis and interpretation of the empirical data was undertaken in chapter four.
The construct validity of the research instrument was investigated, using successive
factor analyses. This produced six factors namely:
co-operative governance which is composed of 33 items with a Chronbachalpha
reliability coefficient of 0,899;
governance of non-educators, made up from 11 items with a Chronbach-alpha
reliability coefficient of 0,703;
governance of educators composed of 19 items with a Chronbach-alpha
reliability coefficient of 0,836;
governance of the community which is made up from 15 items with a
Chronbach-alpha reliability coefficient of 0,766;
governance as policy which is composed of 18 items with a Chronbach-alpha
reliability coefficient of 0,766; and
governance of learners, made up from 5 items with a Chronbach-alpha
reliability coefficient of 0,65.
Hypotheses were set and multivariate statistics were used to analyse and interpret
the data. Important findings and recommendations were explicated in chapter five.
Literature findings revealed that it is only in South Africa where school-governing
bodies should make recommendations to the Head of Department regarding the
appointment of educators. These functions could be performed effectively if
governing bodies can be workshopped, capacitated and empowered. Empirical
findings revealed that all respondents which took part in this research are in favour of
the six factors as incorporated in governing bodies. Topics for further research were
highlighted.