Views of Primary School Administrators on Change in Schools and Change Management Practices

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of primary school administrators about change, and to reveal which strategies they use to manage change in schools. This is a qualitative study conducted in 2014 academic year in Mugla province. Research data were collected from primary school administrators through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through content analysis. Some findings of the study suggest that according to school administrators, change is changing, renewing, and updating situations that create problems in implementation. School administrators try to determine the need for change in schools by analyzing the results of the satisfaction surveys conducted in schools, by comparing their schools with international practices, and by evaluating school's achievement status along with student and teacher demands and requests. According to school administrators, there is a need to change in instructional activities, in trusting teachers, in ensuring socialization of students, in regulations, and in mentality. School administrators do not have much freedom in creating change in schools. Change by school administrators in schools is generally in the areas of physical structure, technological equipment, and increased use of technology. There is resistance to change in schools. Schools administrators try to overcome this problem mainly through persuasion.