Administrative decision-making process and academic performance; case study: selected secondary schools in Mubende District

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between administrative decision making process and academic performance in selected secondary schools in Mubende district in Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to: identify the decision making processes/stages employed by administrators in the selected secondary schools in Mubende district; find out the effect of administrative decision making stages/processes on academic performance in selected secondary schools in Mubende district; and make recommendations towards effective administrative decision-making process to boost academic performance in the selected secondary schools in Mubende district. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey research design, taking on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The researcher used a sample of 108 respondents. Simple random sampling and Purposive sampling techniques were used. The data collection methods were self-administered questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive data was analyzed based on tables and graphs derived from SPSS. The findings of the study revealed that the major stages of the decision making process followed included observing the problem, making an analysis of it, selecting one course action and finally evaluating the consequences of the action; and that administrative decision making stages strictly affected academic performance in selected secondary schools in Mubende district. It was concluded that decision-making process can be divided into a sequence of stages with a different type of activity occurring during each phase results into improvement in academic performance of students in secondary schools in Mubende district. The study recommends that government should occasionally organize induction courses for the newly appointed administrators, in this case Head teachers and teachers should undergo refresher courses for serving administrational purposes aimed at producing quality results in Secondary schools.