Agency Fragmentation: The Dilemma Facing Participative Management School Principals: [1]

Abstract

Participative management has been lauded as the best administrative approach of the contemporary school principal. With an expectation for continuous, reciprocal consultation, the job of the school principal has become increasingly complex, with resultant significant effects on the manner in which role and identity, both personally and professionally, are constructed. Agency, the enabled will we seek in order to develop a consistent value pattern and to make decisions in conformance with that pattern, is much more likely to be challenged and diffused. The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of agency fragmentation with reference to life of the school principal. This conversation may encourage renewed dialogue that addresses the unique challenges that face all administrators who seek to invite and to honour the contributions of all stakeholders in education.