School management communication practices in government-aided secondary schools within Mbarara city. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/r3q55s65Keywords:
.Abstract
Background
School management communication practices are essential for ensuring that school policies, rules, and expectations are clearly shared among administrators, teachers, and students. This study aims to assess the school management communication practices in government-aided secondary schools within Mbarara City.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. Both the questionnaire survey and an interview were used. Data was analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques.
Results
The study had 100 respondents, 65% were male, while 35, representing 35%, were female. 55% were aged between 21 and 30 years, and respondents aged between 31 and 40 years constituted 21% of the total sample. 14% were 41–50 years, and respondents aged 51 years and above accounted for 10%. The majority of student leaders and teachers agreed that school rules, policies, and expectations are clearly communicated to students, with 20% strongly agreeing and 60% agreeing, resulting in a mean score of 2.05 (SD = 0.744). 18% strongly agreed, and 62% agreed that management regularly communicates updates on school events, with a mean of 2.08 (SD = 0.748). Responses regarding student involvement in meetings were more mixed, with only 10% strongly agreeing and 40% agreeing, while 35% remained neutral. The use of transparent communication channels, such as assemblies and notice boards, was strongly acknowledged, with 15% strongly agreeing and 65% agreeing (M = 2.11, SD = 0.723). 68% of respondents agreed that they are encouraged to share concerns (M = 2.13, SD = 0.677).
Conclusion
School management in government-aided secondary schools in Mbarara City generally communicates rules, policies, and updates effectively through assemblies and other channels, though student involvement in decision-making remains limited.
Recommendation
Schools should strengthen participatory communication by involving students more in meetings and feedback platforms to enhance transparency, engagement, and effective school management.
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