Administration: An examination of theory and its application to secondary public schools in Cyprus with particular reference to the role of principals

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present in broad lines some of the basic theories of administration and to consequently examine the way administration is exercised in the secondary public schools of Cyprus to determine whether a better understanding of these theories would make principals more productive. The first part includes basic theories, as mentioned in subjects a. The school as a Social System b. Concepts of Organization and Administration c. Leadership d. Communication e. Decision - Making, and f. Motivation In the second part, after the Cyprus educational system is briefly described including the responsibilities of the principals, the assistant principals and the assistant principal coordinators derived from the school regulations, a report is given on the way administration is exercised in secondary education in relation to the subjects of the theories examined in part I. The findings of two small scale researches made, one by a questionnaire to teachers regarding the ideal assistant principal and the other one by interviewing principals on the manner in which they exercise administration in their schools are presented. Final recommendations are, given for further training principals and for presentation of exemplary subjects of training in accordance with the ones at the School of Education of Durham University.