Developing management models in malaysian context for the gallantry of national schools in West Malaysia

Abstract Adequate management knowledge and skills among school administrators in Malaysia, contributed to a large extent, an effective school management. Thus, a study was conducted in 2010, with the aim to examine management models practiced by national secondary schools’ principals in Peninsular Malaysia. As a result, a management model in Malaysian context will be advocated for the gallantry of national secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia. The management practices among school principals was examined based on four models of effective management by Griffith, that is Rational Goal Model, Human Relations Model, Open System Model and Internal Control Process Model. Data was collected through survey method, using questionnaire distributed to 2.487 samples, consisting of 1,587 teachers and 900 administrators. The results of the study indicated that Rational Goal Model was ranked as the main model of management used by national secondary school principals in Peninsular Malaysia. This is followed by Human Relations Model and Open System Model. However, Internal Control Process Model was ranked last. Results of factor analysis suggested three additional models being, Team Work Model, Technology Management Model and School Safety Model, apart from the four models by Griffith. Hopefully, the suggested management model in Malaysian context as a result of the findings will further contribute to the effectiveness of school management. As such, brings to the gallantry of the national secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia.