MFP2601 EXAM OCTOBER 2024
QUESTION 1:
Differentiate between management and leadership with suitable examples from the
primary school context.
Learning unit 4 MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP STYLES IN THE
FOUNDATION PHASE
Management vs. Leadership in a Primary School Context
(Barber, Whelan & Clark 2010)
Focus on Tasks vs. Focus on People
In a primary school, management is primarily concerned with organizing and maintaining
the day-to-day operations. This includes scheduling classes, ensuring that teachers cover
the curriculum, managing the school budget, and maintaining facilities. For example, a
school manager might ensure that classrooms are stocked with necessary supplies and
that maintenance issues are promptly addressed.
Leadership, on the other hand, involves inspiring and motivating teachers, students, and
staff to achieve the school's vision. A school leader, such as a principal, might focus on
fostering a positive school culture, encouraging innovative teaching methods, and setting
high expectations for both teachers and students. For instance, a principal who encourages
teachers to adopt creative teaching strategies to improve student engagement is
demonstrating leadership.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Perspective:
Managers in a primary school often focus on short-term goals and problem-solving to
ensure smooth operations. For example, a deputy principal may handle day-to-day student
discipline or logistics for school events to ensure immediate issues are resolved.
,Leaders have a long-term vision for the school's growth and development. They aim to
bring about transformational changes that positively impact the entire learning environment.
For example, a principal who develops a strategic plan to improve literacy rates over the
next five years and actively works with teachers to implement new reading programs is
engaging in leadership.
Control vs. Influence
Management involves enforcing rules and policies to maintain order and achieve
organizational objectives. In a primary school, this could mean a head of department
ensuring that teachers follow the prescribed curriculum guidelines or that students adhere
to the school's code of conduct.
Leadership is about influencing and inspiring others to pursue a shared goal. A school
leader who builds relationships with teachers and encourages them to participate in
decision-making fosters a collaborative environment. For instance, a principal who
encourages staff to share their ideas on improving teaching practices and integrates those
ideas into school policies demonstrates leadership.
Consistency vs. Innovation
Management seeks consistency and efficiency in processes. In a school setting, this might
mean standardizing lesson plans across grade levels to ensure all students receive the
same quality of education.
Leadership encourages innovation and embraces change. For example, a principal who
encourages teachers to incorporate technology in classrooms to enhance learning
experiences is demonstrating a leadership approach focused on adapting to new
educational trends.
, QUESTION 2:
Henry Fayol divided the management function into five (5) roles and actions (Marino,
2009). Identify the roles and give examples on how each can be put into practice.
Five key roles and actions (Marino 2009):
1. Prévoyance (Forecast and Plan)
Prévoir involves examining the future and preparing a plan of action. It includes setting
objectives, developing strategies, and anticipating future scenarios.
In a school setting, the principal could create a strategic plan that outlines the academic
goals for the year. This may involve setting targets for student performance, preparing
resources for teachers, and scheduling professional development for staff.
2. To Organize
Organizing involves building the structure (both human and material) necessary for the
undertaking, and determining the allocation of resources.
In a company, organizing could involve setting up different departments, allocating
responsibilities to each team, and providing the necessary resources like technology and
office supplies to ensure smooth operations.
3. To Command
Commanding means maintaining activity among personnel by providing clear instructions
and motivation.
QUESTION 1:
Differentiate between management and leadership with suitable examples from the
primary school context.
Learning unit 4 MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP STYLES IN THE
FOUNDATION PHASE
Management vs. Leadership in a Primary School Context
(Barber, Whelan & Clark 2010)
Focus on Tasks vs. Focus on People
In a primary school, management is primarily concerned with organizing and maintaining
the day-to-day operations. This includes scheduling classes, ensuring that teachers cover
the curriculum, managing the school budget, and maintaining facilities. For example, a
school manager might ensure that classrooms are stocked with necessary supplies and
that maintenance issues are promptly addressed.
Leadership, on the other hand, involves inspiring and motivating teachers, students, and
staff to achieve the school's vision. A school leader, such as a principal, might focus on
fostering a positive school culture, encouraging innovative teaching methods, and setting
high expectations for both teachers and students. For instance, a principal who encourages
teachers to adopt creative teaching strategies to improve student engagement is
demonstrating leadership.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Perspective:
Managers in a primary school often focus on short-term goals and problem-solving to
ensure smooth operations. For example, a deputy principal may handle day-to-day student
discipline or logistics for school events to ensure immediate issues are resolved.
,Leaders have a long-term vision for the school's growth and development. They aim to
bring about transformational changes that positively impact the entire learning environment.
For example, a principal who develops a strategic plan to improve literacy rates over the
next five years and actively works with teachers to implement new reading programs is
engaging in leadership.
Control vs. Influence
Management involves enforcing rules and policies to maintain order and achieve
organizational objectives. In a primary school, this could mean a head of department
ensuring that teachers follow the prescribed curriculum guidelines or that students adhere
to the school's code of conduct.
Leadership is about influencing and inspiring others to pursue a shared goal. A school
leader who builds relationships with teachers and encourages them to participate in
decision-making fosters a collaborative environment. For instance, a principal who
encourages staff to share their ideas on improving teaching practices and integrates those
ideas into school policies demonstrates leadership.
Consistency vs. Innovation
Management seeks consistency and efficiency in processes. In a school setting, this might
mean standardizing lesson plans across grade levels to ensure all students receive the
same quality of education.
Leadership encourages innovation and embraces change. For example, a principal who
encourages teachers to incorporate technology in classrooms to enhance learning
experiences is demonstrating a leadership approach focused on adapting to new
educational trends.
, QUESTION 2:
Henry Fayol divided the management function into five (5) roles and actions (Marino,
2009). Identify the roles and give examples on how each can be put into practice.
Five key roles and actions (Marino 2009):
1. Prévoyance (Forecast and Plan)
Prévoir involves examining the future and preparing a plan of action. It includes setting
objectives, developing strategies, and anticipating future scenarios.
In a school setting, the principal could create a strategic plan that outlines the academic
goals for the year. This may involve setting targets for student performance, preparing
resources for teachers, and scheduling professional development for staff.
2. To Organize
Organizing involves building the structure (both human and material) necessary for the
undertaking, and determining the allocation of resources.
In a company, organizing could involve setting up different departments, allocating
responsibilities to each team, and providing the necessary resources like technology and
office supplies to ensure smooth operations.
3. To Command
Commanding means maintaining activity among personnel by providing clear instructions
and motivation.
