Effectiveness of decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere in Kabale District

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere in Kabale District. The study was guided by three objectives which included assessing the decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere, the factors affecting the effectiveness of decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere and suggesting strategies that can be employed to improve the effectiveness of decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere. The study used a cross-sectional survey design and considered both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected from 89 respondents where 13 provided qualitative data and 76 provided quantitative data. Data from the field was collected using a questionnaire survey and interview guide. The study findings revealed that decision making at the school was predominantly centralized among top administrators, with limited involvement of teachers, students, non-teaching staff, and other stakeholders. While parents are more frequently engaged, community leaders remain largely excluded from the process. There were significant challenges in the decision-making process at Kigezi College Butobere, highlighting the limited practice of participative decision-making, over-reliance on top-down directives, and a lack of shared values and norms guiding decision-making. This underscored the presence of communication barriers, excessive formalities slowing down the process, and technological inadequacies that hinder real-time data analysis for informed decisions. There is critical role that effective communication, stakeholder involvement, data-driven strategies, and continuous improvement play in enhancing decision-making processes within the school. While the importance of clear communication channels, structured reporting, and expert consultation were largely pointed out, the inconsistent application of certain strategies, such as decision support systems and stakeholder inclusion may continuously hinder decision making process. It was recommended that the school management should actively involve various stakeholders, including teachers, students, non-teaching staff, and parents, in key decisions. Additionally, the school management should shift towards a more collaborative leadership style that empowers others to contribute to decision-making. Lastly, the school management should work to establish a cohesive set of shared values and norms that guide decision-making processes.