• Semester 1 (External)

Synopsis

The unit is based on the assumption that an understanding
of the nature and functioning of educational organisations is
a prerequisite for students wishing to develop managerial skills
and to facilitate the effectiveness of educational organisations.
Hence the course attempts to introduce students to a study of
the basic aspects of complex (formal) organisations and
 specifically the educational organisation.  It aims at
explicating a range of approaches and perspectives used in the
study of educational administration, with special emphasis
being placed on the behavioural approach.  The leadership
process is studied in detail as a process which is considered
especially relevant to educational administration.  The notion
of organisational effectiveness is also discussed in the
light of the need for interventions and strategies which will
facilitate the effective accomplishment of educational goals
and objectives.

After being introduced to the role of theory and research in
educational administration, the significance of the external
environment of educational organisations is examined.
Consideration is then given to the nature of formal
organisations and especially the organisational characteristics
of educational organisations.  Some basic theoretical and
conceptual frameworks are introduced and the implications of
these for administrative practice in education are examined.
Selected aspects of organisational structure and design are
considered and special attention is given to developing an
understanding of the leadership process.

The unit concludes with a review of current ideas, concepts
and perspectives and these are compared and contrasted with
traditional conceptualisations.