Strategic planning as an aspect of school management: implication for whole school

M.Ed.According to 'Croon (1995:136) strategic planning is directed at determining the mission of a school. The mission takes into account the external environment and capabilities of organisations such as schools. The external environment embraces both the opportunities as well as the threats. An investigation into the strengths and weaknesses of a school could enable them to develop a strategy that could lead to their success. They will be in a position to better market themselves in order to get more learners. Although Keller (1983:13) emphasizes the need for improved services to come to the fore, there is also a need for schools to market themselves. This can be best done through strategic planning. However, Mondy, Sharplin, Holmes and Flippo (1986:105-107) believe that as a result of democratization and the devolution of authority to ground level, the time has come for schools to market themselves. Coker, Donovan, Gaskill, Watkins and Webb (1985:10) are of the opinion that school managers should take the lead in strategic planning. It is necessary for school managers to develop an effective strategy for their distinctive and different characters in order to work effectively and productively (Nicol, 1995:2). A lack of strategic planning in schools has been exacerbated by the announcement of the new education authorities that school governing bodies will in future be compulsory. The authority of principals has been devolved to the micro level for the schools to acquire both greater decision-making and executive functions (Nicol, 1995:2). Levitz (1984:34) emphasizes that the greater autonomy in decision-making implies greater responsibilities for top managers of schools. The society in which the schools are located have high expectations and needs regarding education. Society is demanding a greater say in the management of education. The state today is unable to fund schools adequately and the community is bearing much of the financial burden. According to Davis and Ellison (1991:9) the main reason that the school should be marketing itself is a desire to improve its services and relationship with its clients.Even financial resources need to be marketed strategically.The question that now arises is : What role can strategic planning play in the radical changes that are already occurring in education and in those that schools in the Republic of South Africa face? (Nicol, 1995:2). Greene, Adam and Erbert (1985:533-534) define strategic planning as leading to faster and better adaptation to changing circumstances. It is through strategic planning that organisations, such as schools, can adapt effectively to the large number of changes occurring.Having been an educator for ten years the researcher observed that strategic planning is a problem in many schools. Schools are often managed without planning hence many schools are ineffective and unproductive. The top management of many schools lead as they like. They do not have the directives and guidelines of how their work should be done