TITLE:
The Challenges Experienced by School Principals in the Implementation of QMS Performance Appraisal System in Schools within Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
AUTHORS:
Elvis Mahlasela Shongwe
KEYWORDS:
Quality Management, Performance Appraisal, Gert Sibande District, South Africa, Principals, Schools
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Service Science and Management,
Vol.16 No.3,
June
15,
2023
ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to explore
the challenges that principals experience in the implementation of quality
management system (QMS) in Schools within Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
The main problem which the study investigated was concerned with the factors that lead to
principal’s leadership challenges in implementing QMS in the Mashishila and
Badplaas circuits’ schools. The study utilized pragmatism as a research
paradigm, this allowed for many different ways of interpreting data in this
case from both quantitative and qualitative sources. The population of the
study was 443 school principals of Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga province
of South Africa. The sample size was 214 and this included 8 participants who
took part in a focus group discussion while the rest participated in a survey.
In terms of data analysis quantitative analysis was applied for close ended
questions that were drawn from responses from the survey. Quantitative data was
processed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer
software version 2.0 and results of such analysis were presented in tables and
figures. Qualitative data analysis was completed by first categorizing and
discussing responses for each item according to themes (thematic analysis),
before editing and coding. From the findings of the FGD study it was clear
participants felt strongly regarding the Department of Education’s failure to
give school adequate technical support to ensure that the QMS implementation is
efficient. Furthermore, evidence drew from
some of the participants through the FGD voiced and severe shortages of
specialists in QMS who can best advise the schools on the technical aspects of
the implementation. The study also revealed that there is existence of sabotage
and politics at the workplace. This scenario was regarded as one of the factors
significantly influencing the lack of effectiveness of QMS implementation by
the principals. It was revealed that the
inadequacy of leadership skills amongst principals was a challenge they faced
in the implementation of the QMS. It is recommended that the DoE reviews the
financial resource being channeled to schools for the implementation of QMS
with the view of liaising with schools in order to increase the resources. An
increase in the available resource will ease some of challenges especially on
resources required to engage the technical support through frequent workshops
for school managers to effectively implement the programmes. It was recommended that the DoE considers the engagement of the independent body or bodies to
oversee and evaluate the implementation of quality management system in
schools. This will bring integrity and transparency to the implementation
process of QMS.