Abstract
M.Ed.
This research provides an analysis and critique of the roles of school governing bodies
in the management of educators as elucidated in the literature and also prescribed by the
South African Schools Act 84 of 1996. The aim of this research is to explore the perceptions of both the governing bodies and the educators on the roles of governing
bodies in the management of the educators and hence the implications of these
perceptions on the professionalism of educators. The literature survey revealed that there is no clear demarcation line between governors and professional management, which results in power struggles between governors and principals. These give rise to personal and organisational conflicts. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the perceptions of the aforementioned stakeholders on the roles of governors, the research design is qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual (Mouton and Marais, 1991:43-44, 51). The literature study, focus group interviews and site analysis were employed as
research methods. From the analysis of data, five major groups of categories emerged, namely, representation and facilitation; policy matters and suggestions; provision of support and advice; motivation and encouragement; and intervention and interference. The abovementioned categories are seen as roles of school governors. The important findings were discussed at length and thereafter, conclusions and recommendations were made on the findings. The limitations set on the research warrant the conclusion of this research.