Metaphorical Perceptions of Teachers, Principals and Staff on School Management

Abstract

It is necessary to know how the members of a school perceive their school management to investigate how they are related to their organizations. In this case, we can refer to metaphors, which are excellent tools for people to express their subconscious thoughts and perceptions about their organizations. On the other hand, metaphors help us to understand the estimations of school management by the members of school organizations. In the literature review, no study could be found about perceptions of teachers, principals and also staff on school management. So, it can be said that conducting this research will fill this gap in the literature. The aim of this study is to examine metaphorical perceptions of teachers, principals and staff on school management. According to the findings; 45 metaphors by female participants, 20 metaphors by male participants, 50 metaphors by teachers, 9 metaphors by principals and 6 metaphors by staff,  42 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 1-5 years, 11 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 6-10 years, 8 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 11-15 years, 2 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 16-20 years, 2 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 21 years and over were created about their own school management. The most produced metaphor is a family metaphor. 41 metaphors by female participants, 25 metaphors by male participants, 50 metaphors by teachers, 10 metaphors by principals, 6 metaphors by staff, 43 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 1-5 years, 10 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 6-10 years,  6 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 11-15 years, 5 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 16-20 years and 2 metaphors by participants whose seniority in school is 21 years and over were created on ideal school management. The most produced metaphor again is family metaphor. Conducting metaphor researches about shool management is seen useful for school improvement and will ensure benefits to researchers and practitioners. Moreover, metaphors are valuable imagery tools can be used by reseachers and practitioners to provide clarity to complex issues to describe real situations in school management.

Keywords: metaphor, school management, teachers, principals, staff