The influence of management as a strategy for managing communication in schools

Abstract

The purpose of this mini-thesis is to investigate communication as a management strategy in schools. An attempt was made to define communication and to determine the possible barriers that could exist to prevent effective communication. The investigator examined ways by which management could encourage effective communication in order to stimulate efficient schooling. Various types of communication, such as up down, down up, lateral and horizontal communication as well as non~ verbal communication received attention The roles of both principals as well as teachers in a number of schools in the Moutse East Circuit. in the Mpumalanga Province were ascertained by means of questionnaires and interviews. The data obtained indicated deficiencies in communication between the principals and their subordinates. As communication skills can be lean1ed, it is recommended that more attention should be paid to the training of managers to become effective communcators and thereby facilitating more effective communication in their schools.