The role of school governing bodies in the democratization of secondary school education in Zambia : a case study

Abstract

The functioning of school governing bodies (SGBs) has been extensively studied worldwide. However, the literature has revealed few studies in Zambia. This study sought to explore SGBs with a view to establishing the democratic enablers/disenablers present in secondary schools in Zambia. The research was guided by the following questions: What are the enablers/disenablers of democratic school governance; to what extent do the SGBs contribute to democracy and how could they be used to promote it? The study was informed by the concepts of decentralization and democratic school governance and adopted a qualitative approach. An interpretive/constructivist research paradigm was applied in the study. School governors from two public secondary schools in the Southern province formed the study population. The sample comprised members of SGBs (14 parents, 14 educators and 8 learners). Data collected from interviews and focus group discussions were analysed thematically, while observations and document review data were analysed using content analysis. The study established the existence of both enabling and disabling elements in SGBs. The study concluded that the SGBs were, in the main, democratic and had implemented the principle of decentralisation with participation by all eligible stakeholders. Despite the presence of democratic features, certain undemocratic elements were identified in the SGBs Democratic structures include the SGB itself, parent–teacher associations and learner’s representative councils and these were recognised as legal entities for promoting democratic school governance. Despite that, SGBs’ lack of adequate preparation impacted negatively on effective delivery by members. Furthermore, the study revealed that stakeholders’ participation on boards enhanced their leadership skills. The SGBs had therefore succeeded in nurturing decision-making skills and stakeholder participation. Whether the acquired democratic values will be transferred to real-life situations remains a matter for further empirical investigation. Based on the evidence and the key findings, the study recommends the need to strengthen enabling democratic practices related to equity, collective decision-making, deliberation, freedom of expression and member participation at all levels of the school governance process. The study also advocates for the training of governors if they are to act more democratically.