ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the importance of the clear articulation of a school’s purpose of education and the links between its stated educational philosophy and the way the school is organized to allow for teaching and learning. It goes on to connect the purpose of a school with the culture of the school and its effect on the pupils who learn there. It then traces the organizational structure chosen to the stated values and philosophy, reflects on the differences between middle and senior management, and asks who informs the management decisions in schools. Planned for decision-making processes are often subverted by micropolitical activity, and suggestions are made about the reasons why alternative power bases and decision-making routes develop. Questions are asked of school managers about whether to pay attention to or to ignore the micropolitics in their schools.
