Using the Theory of Learning Organisations to Understand the Role of Principals in School Health Promotion: A Case Study
Melody Mtimkulu 
& Siphokazi Kwatubana
Issue: Vol.5 No.1 Article 6 pp.65-77
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024516 | Published online 31st January, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The role of principals is increasingly recognised as important in school health promotion. There is a significant body of literature regarding school health promotion and its benefits for learners and the school community, but little is known about the role of principals. Using Senge’s theory of learning organisations as a framework, this study qualitatively sought to understand the roles of principals in promoting healthy school environments. The study used a combination of semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups to gather data from six school management team members; seven teachers; and three school governing body members from a high school in Fezile Dabi District of the Free State. Individual interview data was obtained and focus group discussions were conducted to confirm the findings. The data gathered was analysed using a combination of inductive classification and theory analysis. The study’s main findings demonstrate that principals should (i) provide leadership in health promotion activities within their schools and in collaborations and partnerships with the external community and (ii) have personal mastery, vision, knowledge and thinking skills to be able to play their role effectively. Furthermore, it was found that all five principles of the theory of learning organisation can be used to understand the role of principals in school health promotion. Based on these findings it is recommended that a learning culture be created in schools. The findings of this research suggest implications regarding both the practice of providing leadership in school health promotion and practices in the preparation of principals and teachers for the task of School Health Promotion.
Keywords: Learning Organisations, School Health Promotion, School leadership, Team Learning
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Dr. Melody Mtimkulu is a permanent lecturer at the Faculty of Education in Languages Education in North-West University, South Africa. Her research focuses on school health promotion, school leadership and leadership behaviour.
Prof. Siphokazi Kwatubana is currently an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education of the North-West University, South Africa. Her research interests are in organisational behaviour, leadership in school health promotion and leadership behaviour.
Mtimkulu, Melody & Kwatubana, Siphokazi. “Using the Theory of Learning Organisations to Understand the Role of Principals in School Health Promotion: A Case Study.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.1 (2024): 65-77. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024516
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
