Schools as Learning Organisations Assessing the Organisational Learning Practices in West Oromia Secondary Schools of Ethiopia

Main Article Content

Abaya Geleta
Mebratu Tafesse

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the extent to which schools displayed practices that promoted the notion of schools as learning organisations. The conceptualframework for this study is grounded in the current organisational learning and leadership literature. Cross-sectional survey research design was used to assess anddescribe the perceptions of respondents on the organisational learning practices. Questionnaire, interview and document analysis were used as data gathering instruments. Twenty seven secondary schools from three Zones were chosen as a datasource. Proportional simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employedto include 600 participants in the study. To analyze the data, both descriptive and inferential statistics including percentages, mean scores, standard deviation, t-test, andone-way ANOVA were employed. The qualitative data gathered from open ended items,interview and documents were used to substantiate and triangulate the quantitative data.The findings of the study demonstrated that the schools have low favourable organisational culture and structure required for transformation into a learningorganisation. There was a disjuncture between the current leadership practices atschools and leadership approaches favourable for OL and that leadership practices inthe school did not play any significant role in supporting collaboration, collective learning, and participation of stakeholders. It is suggested that aspects of teachers'professional development focusing on continuous learning and improvement of instructional practices should be given priority. Similarly, school principals should be consistently exposed to the best theories and practices on school leadership through courses, workshops and seminars. School leaders need to embrace and establish thevalues of transparency, democracy and participation of stakeholders in the activities ofthe school.

Article Details

How to Cite
Geleta, A., & Tafesse, M. (1). Schools as Learning Organisations. Ethiopian Journal of Education and Sciences, 12(2), 15-38. Retrieved from https://journals.ju.edu.et/index.php/ejes/article/view/763
Section
Original Article
Author Biographies

Abaya Geleta, Jimma University, Ethiopia

Department of Educational Planning and Management, Jimma University, Ethiopia

Mebratu Tafesse, Jimma University, Ethiopia

Department of Educational Planning and Management, Jimma University, Ethiopia