Relationship between management and strikes in the secondary schools of Uganda: a case study of Ntungamo District

Abstract

The study was carried out at Muntuyera H/S Kitunga and Bwongyera girls S.S.S which are both found in Ntungamo district. The study was carried out to examine the management practices and the phenomenon of strikes in the secondary schools in Uganda. The study was confined in the period between 1988 – 2006 and had three objectives that is to establish the management practices, identify how the management practices are related to the phenomenon of strikes and effects of strikes in the schools. There is concern about the level of violent strikes in Muntuyera High School and Bwongyera Girls Senior Secondary School. In Methodology, a comparative research design was adopted and various tools like the Questionnaires, interview guides were used while sampling method was used to collect data. The hypothesis of the study was that, considering the rate of violent frequent strikes in the school mentioned, there is a problem with the management. The study was justified in that considering the rate of violent strikes and their effects in schools of Uganda, the solution is even long over due. The study was considered significant as it would expose the causes and effects of strikes and how such strikes could be avoided or stopped. Management practices like decision making, motivation through payment to the staff members, communication and feedback, financial management, respect for subordinates and response to the grievances of the stakeholders were looked at. On the other hand, the causes of the strikes were identified as indiscipline among the students, failure of the administration to involve stake holders in decision making, harsh punishments, misuse of school funds, and failure of administration to respond to the warnings from students, perceived positive effects of the strikes, external influence or instigation among others. The psychology of the crowd was also found out to lead to peer pressure, group influence, and the tradition of striking which also led to strikes. The effects of the strikes were identified as destruction of school property, suspension and expulsion of students, beating up of teachers, imprisonment of ringleaders, slaughtering of school animals, closure of schools and inevitably poor academic performance among others. The positive effects of the strike were also identified such as changes from harsh administrative styles, better meals served and the strike acting as an eye opener for the administration. The conclusions were made based on the findings and it was observed that for the strike to happen in the school there is usually a combination of disappointments on the various stakeholders and the psychology of the crowds which were all attributed to management. Recommendations were given including involving all the key stakeholders in decision making and calling even for further inquiry into the problem.