Collaborative approach between principals and finance committees of primary schools at Ilembe district
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
This study explored the collaborative leadership method used in iLembe district schools
between Principals and the finance committees. The researcher chose four schools in
different circuits as the field of investigation. There is a lack of collaboration between the
school principals, SGBs and finance committees which has led to the absence of
defined roles each party has to play in the school finances and also a lack of
accountability. This encourages all parties to avoid penalties for frivolous financial
behaviour within the school.
The data were collected using interviews in this qualitative study. The target population
of this study comprised of 285 primary school principals in the ILembe District,
KwaZulu-Natal. This district has four circuits under it, namely Lower Tugela, Ndwedwe,
Maphumulo and Stanger.Four schools from Stanger circuit were selected as a sample
for this study. In each school 1 principal, 1 SGB member and also 1 finance committee
member were participants in the study. The main objectives of the study were to: To
ascertain if or how the principals and the finance committees collaboratively contribute
to school financial management; to identify the essence and nature of collaboration and
its implication between the SGBs and the finance committee, and to provide
suggestions based on existing policies to assist the SGBs and the finance committee to
develop a collaborative relationship for effective and efficient management of their
schools‟ financial resources.
The findings revealed that despite all the actions taken to enhance sound financial
management in schools, further efforts still require to support schools for good financial
accountability. The school principals need adequate and regular support from the SGBs
to manage school finance effectively. It was evident from the study that the school
principals enjoyed adequate support of their schools‟ SGBs and finance committee
members, though the SGBs‟ members lack expertise on financial management. This
entails that a collaborative relationship is very important for school financial
management. The study was underpinned by the Gidden‟s structuration theory which is
about the concept and enquiry of whether single persons or communal impacts are the
driving force behind social reality. RSA(1996a) highlighted good accountability of school
finance as strategies to enhance learners‟ performance and whole school performance
for smooth operation of the school system. Supporting this, Mestry (2004:127) sees
financial accountability as referring to giving an account of actions taken and being held
accountable for these actions. This could be made possible if challenges facing the
principals, the SGBs and finance committees are acknowledged. The researcher
recommends that mutual working relations between the SGBs, principals and finance
committee members should be encouraged to strengthen the school financial
management.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Foundation and Management at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2022
Keywords
Principals, Finance committees, Ilembe district