| dc.description.abstract | This study focuses on the need for an induction programme by which especially
newly appointed circuit managers and circuit managers with little experience
can benefit. This study is not concerned with the training programme for newly
appointed circuit managers, but the emphasis is on the professional induction
and continued development of educational leaders such as circuit managers.
In order to get to the heart of the matter, a literature study was first undertaken
to investigate the nature of professional development of which induction is one
component. Also, problems that might be experienced by circuit managers and
expertise they might need for functioning effectively have been lifted from the
literature study. A few induction programmes in developed and developing
countries have been analysed and compared to practices in the RSA.
Secondly, an empirical study has been undertaken on the perceptions of circuit
managers on problems they are experiencing and on expertise they need in
order to function optimally in their new work environment.
Findings in the literature study reveal that circuit managers experience
distinctive problems, and that these problems manifest themselves within the
circuit managers themselves, in their work environment, on managerial level,
within society and within their careers as educators. Another distinction is that
the managerial skills a circuit manager should have can be divided into four
categories, viz. technical, personal, social and conceptual skills. The literature
study also shows that formal induction in developed countries is run in a
programme-driven manner, while in the RSA there is a lack of formal induction
programmes as well as a formal mentor system for newly appointed circuit
managers.
Findings in the empirical study have shown that respondents experience
serious problems in especially the work environment, on managerial level and
in their teaching careers Less serious problems are experienced in the circuit
manager's personal life and within the community. A further indication was that
respondents considered all the skills as very important in order to function
effectively in their new work environment.
The above needs give rise to the formulation of directives for the development
and implementation of an induction programme for newly appointed circuit
managers. This instruction programme comprises four phases, and the themes
of the respective phases have been selected in such a manner that the
activities in the total induction process are purposeful and orderly, and aimed at
a specific outcome.
Recommendations of this study emphasize the importance of a formal induction
programme as well as a formal monitoring system for newly appointed circuit
managers in die RSA Also, there is an urgent necessity for a formal and
structured job description. ongoing skills development and the
establishment/formulation of a national policy, determining the nature and level
of management training.
Without doubt the most important influence on the quality of circuit managers in
the RSA is their own expertise, and the induction of newly appointed circuit
managers is the sine qua non for the development of competent education
managers. | en_US |
