Guilty or not: The impact and effects of site-based management on schools

Abstract

This paper examines the impact and effects of site-based management on schools using a framework developed by Canadian researchers, Sackney and Dibski. It draws on research literature from the UK, New Zealand and Australia and includes results from three studies in which the author has been engaged. The Sackney and Dibski framework is used to lay seven "charges" against site-based management - that site-based management leads to greater decision-making flexibility, changes the work role and increases the workload of principals, improves student learning outcomes, increases innovation, increases competition, results in reduced funding and affects the standing of the public education system. The analysis of the literature selected suggests that site-based management is guilty of some and not of others.