Decision-making processes in primary schools

Abstract

This work is designed to study the decision-making processes in Maltese primary schools. Questionnaires, which were distributed to both headteachers and teachers. were used to find out how decision-making processes are controlled who makes the decisions and what is the headteachers' and the teachers' role in these processes? Results showed that in most schools it is the headteacher who takes all major decisions and therefore teachers are rarely asked to participate. This lack of involvement from the teachers is causing dissatisfaction among them. Many teachers complain about inadequate facilities and argue that though staff meetings are held in their schools. they feel that they are not being fully involved in the management and organisation of their school and in the curriculum development. Some headteachers are trying to create a school climate based on collegiality and team-work but the majority still hesitate. The general implication is that schools need to adopt a participatory style of work.