Ontwikkeling van die departementshoof se bestuursvaardighede aan staatsondersteunde sekondêre skole

M.Ed. (Educational Management)The development of the Head of Department as manager, has historically been neglected and as he/she is in a position of authority, the effective management of the relevant department will solely depend on him/her. If the department therefore is to function successfully, the Head of Department should have a sound knowledge of motivation, communication, decision making and interpersonal skills. The Head of Department as leader of the teachers in his/her department, cannot ignore these components. Development is essential to enable him to cope with everyday problems in the school. The Head of Department needs particular skills to run his/her department effectively, but presently this is not a requisite for promotion. One can conclude that the current management situation in the school requires an academic-professionally equipped person. This investigation has indicated that the development of skills relating to motivation, communication, listening, decision-making, interpersonal relations, transparency, assertiveness, empathy and invitational management, is essential if the Head of Department is to be motivated and well equipped, to manage his/her department. The task of the Head of Department as part of the managing team, is complex. When such a team is appointed, it should be kept in mind that their task primarily involves problem solving, decision-making, guidance and in service training. Members therefore should be experienced, determined and hard-working. The Head of Department is expected to be well-versed in the application of the four components of management, namely planning, organising, guidance and control. There is no doubt that management can be considered a full-time, independent career