THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT

MARNELLI S. CALMA

Truly, in the educational organization, there are various and multiple aspects or areas in which the organizational activities can be divided or are anchored. One aspect is division of work which allows the school leaders to assign employees in areas that align with their skills and competence. Another aspect is authority wherein school leaders embrace the reality that in giving command or orders, leaders should be fully responsible and accountable towards their mandate. Discipline is also an important consideration as it defines the rules that leaders and subordinates need to mutually follow for the good of all.

The unity of command is useful in protecting the integrity of the leader and helps to foster control and discipline in the system. Unity of direction plays important roles in promoting common objectives and advocacy of the school leaders and school staff working as a team. There is also a principle of collective interest over individual interest in which the school managers and school staff prioritize the welfare and advantage of the school community that they are serving above their personal gains. Meanwhile, the essential element of remuneration helps to define the job satisfaction of school staff as they also have personal socio-economic demands that need to attended.

In an educational organization, it is also important to observe and practice centralization wherein the noble decisions are entrusted to the educational manager but school staff and members are also given equal voice to the decision-making process. Meanwhile, the aspect called scalar chain allows school employees where to stand within the educational organization. Moreover, the element of order defines the opportunities to promote positive social order and relations in the workplace. Furthermore, educational managers need to practice equity in the treatment of their employees. It is equity in terms of combined kindness and justice when dealing with school staff.

The complexity of educational management lies not just on the volume, quantity and multiplicity of the leadership jobs, functions, roles and accomplishments of school leaders and managers but also in terms of the consideration of the aspects and values that nurture the welfare of the faculty and school staff and even the stakeholders. There are various and salient principles and ideals that can be used and applied by school leaders and their subordinates in establishing mutual support systems and services with one another. By upholding these values and principles, the educational management endeavor of school leaders and the support systems of the faculty and staff and school partners could be properly guided and strengthened. Living up to these principles and ideals, both the leaders and supporters of the educational organization are engaged in value laden and advocacy-oriented forms of execution of roles and services.

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THE AUTHOR IS TEACHER III AT SAPANG BIABAS RESETTLEMENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL