The interpretation of De La Salle's 'Conduite des écoles' and related writings in terms of modern management theory and practice : historical, analytical and case studies

Abstract

My aims in writing this dissertation are (i) to make de la Salle's ‘Conduite des écoles’, better known in the educational world, (ii) to show how de la Salle wanted and provided his teachers with the necessary tools for the good management of their schools, (iii) to show how de la Salle made it his life mission to improve the lot of the 'artisans and the poor'; and to lead them to eternal salvation, but at the same time prepare them for life on earth, (iv) to analyse and compare de la Salle's concepts of management with modern management theory and practice, (v) to show the evolution of education in the Brothers schools, the diversification of the scholastic and educational commitment of the Brothers, and the cooperation of Brothers and lay teachers as the future salvation of de la Salle's mission as a continuing founder. The works of Drucker, Peters and Waterman, and Handy were the main source of ideas on management in comparison with de la Salle's concepts. Reddin's 3-D theory was used to study managerial effectiveness. I researched in the Archives of the Institute in Rome, and our libraries in Malta and U.K. I also corresponded with the Director of Lasallian studies of Romeoville, USA, and also with the Lasallian Centres in Madrid and Paris. The originals and translations of the Biographies, documents, journals and Lasallian publications were extensively consulted. I have attempted to show partly, the contribution of de la Salle's managerial acumen. Special in-depth consideration of his innovative spirit, especially in the training of teachers, is treated with extra attention. What is more important to us today, wherever we work, is to understand and follow the procedure which produced the ‘Conduite’ at the beginning of the 18th Century. The procedure may be summarised as follows -attention, awareness and openness to the needs of the child, -analysis of these needs; -trying out concrete suggestions in answer to those needs; -consultation in order to find out the best answers; -rationalisation and development of effective positive answers. This is what I have tried to show in this dissertation, and the result is that more research and work is required to study in depth the meaning, usefulness and wealth of ideas that still lie hidden in the works of de la Salle.