ERIC Number: EJ1305709
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1363-2434
EISSN: N/A
The Challenges Faced by Heads of Departments in Selected Lesotho High Schools
Tlali, Tebello; Matete, Ntjoetso
School Leadership & Management, v41 n3 p194-210 2021
The role of the Heads of Departments (HoDs) in the school structure is to provide middle leadership. They assist the principals on the day to day leadership of the schools. They are responsible for ensuring the achievement of their departmental and school vision and mission. This study sought to explore the nature of the challenges faced by the HoDs in the Lesotho context. The study was framed within the interpretive paradigm and adopted a qualitative approach. The participants consisted of sixteen HoDs and eight school principals. These participants were purposively selected and then interviewed through the focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that the HoDs face several challenges that hinder their performance. For example, they lack the requisite skills to perform their duties. They also encounter considerable resistance from their peers. In the light of the findings, we argue that it is crucial for the HoDs to be afforded the empowerment and support that they need so that they can do their job efficiently. This support may benefit their schools as well as the entire education sector.
Descriptors: Barriers, Department Heads, Foreign Countries, Administrator Role, Administrator Attitudes, Principals, Instructional Leadership, Administrator Effectiveness, High Schools, Middle Management
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Lesotho
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A