The role of deputy principal in managing interpersonal relationships to enhance school performance

This study examines the role of the deputy principals in managing interpersonal relations to enhance school performance. The researcher sees the need to equip the deputy principals with the necessary knowledge and skills so that they can perform this task effectively. To foreground the study the researcher drew from a variety of sources including Max Weber’s bureaucratic model on theories of education management and leadership. These sources enabled the researcher to explicitly clarify the constructs, ‘interpersonal relations’ and the ‘enhancement of school performance.’ The quantitative research method was used to determine the perceptions of educators, deputy principals and principals with regard to the role of the deputy principals in managing interpersonal relations to enhance school performance. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire consisting of two sections, namely section B with 26 items and section C with 10 items, thus totaling a number of 36 items. This questionnaire was administered to the educators specified above in the Brits District of the North West Province of Education as well as in the Midrand Circuit. Data was analysed statistically by means of a factor analytical procedure SPSS 12, 0 which resulted in the 36 items of the questionnaire being reduced to two factors, namely; • The management of interpersonal relationships; and • Aspects influencing school performance. The study showed that there exists a statistically significant correlation between the management of interpersonal relationships and the enhancement of school performance.Dr. L. N. Conley Professor K.C. Molo