Assessing Impact of Governing Boards on Educational Institutions through Focus Group Discussions
Keywords:
Governing Boards, Educational Institutions, Qualitative Research, Focus Group DiscussionsAbstract
Good governance of educational institutions is essential to achieve optimal institutional performances. Several weaknesses exist in some Governing Boards (GBs) of educational institutions that need rectification through a careful analysis of the structure and functioning of GBs to identify changes that could make them more effective. Based on review of existing literature and background of the educational institutions in Meghalaya state, an in-depth, cross-sectional study was done during 2009-10 on a representative random sample of 36 church-operated educational institutions using mixed method approach. The quantitative aspect of the study involved in-depth interviews with members of the GBs, and Institutional Administrators on the composition, functioning and institutional outcomes and performances. Significant correlation was observed between the Characteristics of the GB and the Institutional performances, despite certain lacunae and cogent recommendations made. The details of this quantitative survey were published earlier and the qualitative part is now presented in this paper. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with three main stakeholders, the GB members, administrators of the institutions and senior teachers were conducted on the objectives of the research. The FGDs confirmed the findings of the quantitative survey but also added newer and more significant observations thereby leading to substantial recommendations. FGDs of other stakeholders such as parents and public may shed more light in improving the functioning of GBs. Qualitative approaches such as the FGDs can be usefully integrated into management research especially on sensitive issues that are faster, convenient and cost-effective.
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