Last updated on Oct 26, 2024

What are the most common educational management theories?

Educational management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating the activities and resources of an educational institution or system. It involves applying different theories and models of management to suit the goals, needs, and contexts of education. In this article, you will learn about some of the most common educational management theories and how they can help you improve your practice as an educational leader or administrator.

1 Scientific Management

Scientific management is a theory that focuses on improving the efficiency and productivity of work processes through systematic measurement, analysis, and control. It was developed by Frederick Taylor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and applied to various industries and organizations. In education, scientific management can be used to design and implement standardized curricula, tests, and methods of instruction, as well as to monitor and evaluate the performance of teachers and students. However, some critics argue that scientific management ignores the human and social aspects of education, such as creativity, motivation, and diversity.

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Mithun Kumar

Founder at ADVATRIX IT SOLUTIONS
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In today's fast-paced world, Scientific Management appears as a double-edged sword. Just as it streamlined industries in the past, it now echoes in our data-driven society. Efficiency and productivity reign supreme, but the human touch feels distant. Education, too, faces this dilemma. Standardized curricula and tests measure knowledge but risk suffocating creativity, motivation, and diversity. Striking a balance is the modern challenge – harnessing the power of data while nurturing the human spirit for a brighter future.

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Bernard Hermanson

Retired chemistry instructor
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I tried to create the "AH HA" moment in students from their lab data. I used the standard paper clip experiment: "How many bends does it take to break a paperclip?" We graphed the data(range 4 to 66 bends), students tried to explain the HUGH range in data. The list of reasons was long. They were asked what would happen if we all followed the same rules. We all agreed on a final set of instructions, tried again. Range of bends changed to 12-16 bends. The AH HA moment for students was calling this CONTROLLING VARIABLES in an experiment. Students were given the task of creating their own home experiment, I would not OK and grade if relevant variables were not controlled. Each of the 97 students had a unique approved experiment

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Moses Okezie-Okafor

Director General, Research & Development, Kogi State Government
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I'm responding to this just moments after watching the video about Monday Ariyo, a young student in Ibadan, Nigeria who was allegedly whipped 164 times by a teacher and who later died. Allegedly, the boy had questioned a teacher over access to a dustbin (sounds crazy, right?) and the teacher, allegedly on the principal's instructions to 'discipline' the student flogged him brutally leading to complications and eventual death. Thread/1

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2 Human Relations

Human relations is a theory that emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships, communication, and cooperation in achieving organizational goals. It was influenced by the Hawthorne studies in the 1920s and 1930s, which showed that workers' productivity and satisfaction were affected by social and psychological factors, such as group norms, leadership styles, and feedback. In education, human relations can be used to foster a positive school climate, a democratic decision-making process, and a collaborative learning environment, as well as to address the needs and interests of teachers and students. However, some critics argue that human relations can be too idealistic, vague, or manipulative.

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Mithun Kumar

Founder at ADVATRIX IT SOLUTIONS
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In today's interconnected world, Human Relations emerges as a guiding star. Just as the Hawthorne studies uncovered the power of social dynamics in the workplace, our current landscape recognizes the value of strong interpersonal bonds. Whether in education or organizations, fostering positive relationships, open communication, and collaboration are vital for success. Yet, in our quest for harmony, we must navigate the fine line between genuine connection and the pitfalls of idealism, vagueness, and manipulation. Striking this balance is the modern challenge for nurturing thriving communities and achieving collective goals

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3 Systems Theory

Systems theory is a theory that views an organization as a complex and dynamic system of interrelated and interdependent elements, such as goals, inputs, outputs, feedback, and environment. It was developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1940s and 1950s and applied to various disciplines and fields. In education, systems theory can be used to understand and improve the functioning and performance of an educational system at different levels, such as the classroom, the school, the district, or the nation. It can also help to identify and solve problems, adapt to changes, and coordinate with other systems. However, some critics argue that systems theory can be too abstract, complicated, or deterministic.

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Mithun Kumar

Founder at ADVATRIX IT SOLUTIONS
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In today's complex world, Systems Theory stands as a guiding compass. Just as Ludwig von Bertalanffy envisioned organizations as intricate systems, our modern era recognizes the interconnectedness of our global society. From education to industry, understanding the dynamic interplay of elements is crucial for success. However, in our pursuit of clarity, we must tread carefully to avoid the pitfalls of abstraction, complexity, and determinism. Striking this balance is the modern challenge - using Systems Theory to navigate the intricate web of our world for effective problem-solving, adaptability, and harmonious coordination

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4 Contingency Theory

Contingency theory is a theory that suggests that there is no one best way to manage an organization, but rather that the optimal management style depends on the situation and the context. It was influenced by the research of Fred Fiedler, Paul Lawrence, Jay Lorsch, and others in the 1960s and 1970s. In education, contingency theory can be used to adopt and adjust different management approaches and strategies according to the characteristics and needs of the teachers, students, curriculum, resources, goals, and environment. It can also help to cope with uncertainty, complexity, and diversity. However, some critics argue that contingency theory can be too ambiguous, inconsistent, or opportunistic.

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Dolphine Riziki Nyaboke

Clinical Lead/Project Officer
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Contingency theory is more of laissez faire style. The students and teachers are left to figure out what works best for them to achieve success in the education system. This works best if the people involved are more self driven and have a desire to achieve more without someone riding their back. Contingency theory and human relations theory will work best in most education systems and achieve better results when implemented together.

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5 Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership is a theory that describes a type of leadership that inspires and motivates followers to achieve higher levels of performance and commitment by appealing to their values, vision, and emotions. It was developed by James MacGregor Burns in the 1970s and further refined by Bernard Bass and others in the 1980s and 1990s. In education, transformational leadership can be used to create and communicate a shared vision, foster a culture of innovation and excellence, empower and develop teachers and students, and build trust and collaboration. However, some critics argue that transformational leadership can be too charismatic, unrealistic, or unethical.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Wei Leong Yong

MBA, ASA, CMA
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Lean for education is an improvement approach that encourages all teachers and employees to identify and solve problems that prevent students from achieving the highest quality outcomes possible (Carnegie Foundation). The Lean management approach, originally derived from the highly influential Toyota production system, is based on three fundamental principles: delivering value as defined by the customer, eliminating waste, and continuous improvement.

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Anuj Nair

Motion Designer | Unreal Engine Generalist
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With the dynamic nature of education, theories related to change management, such as Kurt Lewin's three-stage model (unfreeze, change, refreeze), are crucial for implementing reforms and improvements in schools. These theories provide a foundation for educational leaders and managers to make informed decisions, create effective learning environments, and adapt to the evolving needs of students and educational systems.

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Al-Mahroof Ashiru

Founder, Fitexcel Health Concepts, Lagos
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My interest is in how good theories can influence success in work setting, I proposed the IMAGE management model. I intend to look at how the product (human capital) development.

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What are the most common educational management theories?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Scientific Management

2 Human Relations

3 Systems Theory

4 Contingency Theory

5 Transformational Leadership

6 Here’s what else to consider

Management

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What are the most common educational management theories?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Scientific Management

2 Human Relations

3 Systems Theory

4 Contingency Theory

5 Transformational Leadership

6 Here’s what else to consider

Management

Rate this article

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