Factors Affecting Effective Selection of Teachers for Promotion to Management Positions in the Education System: A Case Study of Mazabuka District.

Abstract

There is no doubt that education is an important sector in the development of any economy. Education is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality (World Bank, 2011). The Education sector’s contribution to the growth and development of the economy is however difficult to measure because it is immaterial and non-quantitative. Despite the education sector’s vivid contribution to the national development, serious concerns exist regarding the various lapses in the sector. Of great concern is the inadequate adoption and utilisation of Information and Communications Technology, which seems to be hampering efficiency in most management processes. The study purported to establish the causes of and solutions to ineffective promotion procedures in the education sector. The major focus having been put on the evaluation of the effects of the lack or underutilisation of effective information management and information communications systems. The focus also extended to addressing the impact of corruption in the processes of recruiting, selecting and appointing staff for promotion. The study employed a quantitative survey design approach. The findings of the study indicated that ineffective data capturing, poor record management and storage, ineffective communication, as well as corruption are detrimental to staff promotion hence hindering sound school management and the quality of education in the final end. In anticipation of achieving an effective staff promotion process, the government ought to consider reinitiating and fully supporting the provision of cost effective information management and communications infrastructure and facilities, streamline the staff promotion policy framework that will take care of political interference in the Public Administration and foster transparency and accountability.