video record
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Description
In this programme staff at different managerial levels in Sidney Stringer School give their opinions of the School's system of participative management.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: E321, Management in education
Item code: E321; 02
First transmission date: 16-03-1976
Published: 1976
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:22:25
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Producer: Edward Milner
Contributors: Geoffrey Holroyde; Kalvin Richards
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Communication systems; Community college, Coventry; Decision-making; Large comprehensive school; Management system; Organic Management
Footage description: The programme opens with the headmaster of Sidney Stringer School and Community College explaining in interview the importance of staff participation in decision-making processes. A member of the non-teaching staff explains how this can make staff feel insecure. Three members of the teaching staff who do not have any management function make some general comments about the school's participative decision making system. Kalvin Richards, a member of the staff's middle management describes the system of consultation and participation, and gives two examples of how it can fail. A more junior member of the staff provides another example of the failure of executive staff to consult before making a decision. Richards comments on how this can adversely affect staff morale. In interview, Holroyde argues that the rescinding of two decisions is proof of the executive management's flexibility. Richards indicates staff feelings about these rescissions. Holroyde, Richards and another member of the staff give their view of the extent to which decisions result from consultation. Richards and two other teachers explain how the people in the Executive team prevent the system operating correctly. The attitudes staff lower down the hierarchy are outlined. Two teachers explain the significance of a successful vote to rescind a decision made by the executive team. Holroyde comments on this. A teacher and a student both explain in interview changes they would like to see in the school's consultative structure. Richards calls for the removal of certain senior staff who he reckons block the free flow of information. Holroyde explains how senior staff can feel threatened in an organic management system. Richards makes some criticisms of Holroyde, who concludes the programme by making some general remarks about Sidney Stringer's experience of participative management.
Master spool number: HOU1882
Production number: 00525_6131
Videofinder number: 3958
Available to public: no