The business of schools: the application of strategic management theories to risk taking in decision making in public schools

Edited book (chapter)

Trimmer, Karen. 2015. "The business of schools: the application of strategic management theories to risk taking in decision making in public schools." Baguley, Margaret M., Findlay, Yvonne S. and Kerby, Martin C. (ed.) Meanings and motivation in education research. New York, United States. Routledge. pp. 179-191
Chapter Title

The business of schools: the application of strategic management theories to risk taking in decision making in public schools

Book Chapter CategoryEdited book (chapter)
ERA Publisher ID3137
Book TitleMeanings and motivation in education research
Authors
AuthorTrimmer, Karen
EditorsBaguley, Margaret M., Findlay, Yvonne S. and Kerby, Martin C.
Page Range179-191
Chapter Number14
Number of Pages13
Year2015
PublisherRoutledge
Place of PublicationNew York, United States
ISBN9781138810273
9781315749631
Web Address (URL)http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9781138810280/
Abstract

Reasoned risk-taking has long been associated with governance mechanisms for organisations within business contexts. Research has been conducted in business contexts to develop theories of risk-taking that incorporate governance mechanisms and stakeholder mechanisms, including the experience of management. This chapter applies two of these theories, agency and stewardship theory, in the context of the public sector. In particular the environment of public schools is used to explore the problem of risk-taking in decision-making by school principals. Here, risk-taking is defined as when decisions are made that are not compliant with the regulatory framework, the primary governance mechanism for public schools in Western Australia. Such decisions involve risk as principals may be exposed to criticism for non-compliance with established policy when negative outcomes arise from decision-making. This creates a dilemma for principals who need to be able to respond to the locally identified needs within a school, and simultaneously comply with all State and Commonwealth departmental requirements.

Keywordsrisk-taking; decision-making; agency; stewardship
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390403. Educational administration, management and leadership
Public Notes

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Byline AffiliationsSchool of Teacher Education and Early Childhood
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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