Abstract
M.Ed. (Education Management)
The purpose of the study is to investigate the origin and function of
informal personnel groups in the school and the identification of the
opinion leaders. During the investigation special attention has been
given to the role of the opinion leader in the informal group as well as
how the opinion leader may be guided by the school principal towards
meaningful involvement. Information has been obtained mainly through the study of literature and such information has been interpreted, evaluated and explained. This
study led to conclusions and recommendations. Much of a principal's time is taken up by his involvement with a group of people the school personnel. The school personnel as a group consists of two other groups - formal groups and informal groups. Formal groups are formed consciously or intentionally to realise the objectives of the school, while informal groups are created spontaneously. Informal groups institution, as positive, that
manner. have an important influence on the school or such groups may act towards Goal-realisation in a
is supportive, or negative, that is non-supportive
It is apparent that the principal determines to a great extent whether
the informal groups of the school personnel are to be positive factors
with regard to formal objectives. Informal groups may be a great
advantage provided the principal understands how such groups originate
and function.