Impact of School Management Teams on Educator Job Satisfaction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of School Management Teams (SMT) on educator job satisfaction in the Free State Province of South Africa. A school’s learning environment depends on educators because they are directly involved in knowledge transfer. The SMT have a duty to create a school atmosphere in which a classroom educator can perform his/her job confidently and safely. The target population for this research study was SMT members (Heads of Department, Deputy Principals and Principals), as well as post level one educators (educators) from rural and urban schools. The explanatory sequential mixed method approach was used to collect data. Stratified random sampling was used during the quantitative phase via questionnaires, while purposive and convenience sampling were used for the qualitative phase via semi-structured focus group interviews. A significant finding was that consideration should be given to redesigning initial and in-service training programs for SMTs to incorporate leadership practices focused on building supporting relationships, setting guidelines, building positive school cultures, encouraging teamwork, involvement and team building.

Keywords

• communication
• educator job satisfaction
• educational environment
• job performance
• school leadership