Developing and sustaining a results-based management model in Zimbabwean schools in Goromonzi District

Abstract

There is limited research on the use of results-based management (RBM) in schools, therefore this study focussed on developing a sustainable and effective RBM model. The objectives of the study were to identify the obstacles encountered in implementing RBM in primary and secondary schools in the Goromonzi District, identify and describe the steps taken in developing and sustaining an effective RBM model, and to develop a sustainable and effective RBM model suitable for both Zimbabwean primary and secondary schools. A qualitative research method was used since the researcher’s interest was to gain insight into and understanding of school heads’ and teachers’ perceptions, concerns and experiences in their real world conditions when implementing RBM. The study covered ten purposely selected schools in the Goromonzi District. Semi-structured individual and focus group interviews were conducted with the school heads and teachers. To enhance the validity of the findings, this study adhered to ethical principles and techniques. The following salient findings that emerged from the study were that the school heads and teachers had a negative perception of IRBM because a top-down approach was used when it was introduced and the system was not customised since it was merely “imported” from a developed country whose context was different from the Zimbabwean socio-political and economic environment. There was also a serious dearth of financial resources to support the system and this affected the quality of RBM training negatively. The lack of funding also led to the non-payment of incentives for the staff with regard to implementing RBM. It was also indicated that the senior Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials showed a lack of commitment and support for RBM. To address the implementation challenges it was indicated that resources had to be mobilised to ensure the capacitation of school heads and teachers and also for incentivising them. Incentivising staff is critical for the successful implementation of RBM. It was also noted that there was a need to develop a results culture in schools and train school heads in change management. It was concluded that a home grown RBM model that was context sensitive to the Zimbabwean situation was required. As envisaged, the study resulted in the development of the three phased Zimbabwe results-based management practical model (ZRBMPM). The first phase addresses RBM implementing challenges and the second phase focusses on incentivising staff to promote the effective implementation of results management. The last phase entails the production of the results.