ΕΠΑ515: Introduction to Organization and Administration of Education

Module Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this course is to study the basic organizational theories and how these theories can be related to the topic of Educational Administration. Also, in this thematic course we will explore how these theories can be applied at the level of the school organizations, educational organizations and systems in general. This thematic course covers topics such as the historical and theoretical basis of the educational administration area, the school as a social system, external and internal factors that affect a school organization, the structural, cultural (school culture), political and individual element of school organizations, as well as an introduction to the various leadership theories and the decision-making processes. Students are expected to reflect, study, analyze and apply on the contemporary educational problems in the field of educational administration and seek solutions.

Module Content

This module presents the historical aspect of the Science of Management and refers to the three main philosophical levels that influenced its development: scientific administration, management through human relations, and modern administration. Also, the theory of the social system is presented in relation to the science of administration. Moreover, the basic assumptions and key features of the systems, the Getzels and Guba model (1957) for a social system and the mechanisms for protecting systems from the environment are described. Finally, reference is made to the school as a social system based on its structures and characteristics. Also, the emphasis is given to the important aspect of the external environment and all those elements or factors that affect an organization. Following, the concept of "leadership" is examined, which occupies an important aspect both in the theory of administrative science and in the daily function of modern organizations. Also, the various theoretical leadership approaches and perspectives are presented. At the same time, the concepts of power and authority are presented and analyzed, as they appear in social systems and organizations. According to Weber (1947), Blau and Scott (1962), French and Raven (1968), Mintzberg (1983) and Hirschman (1970) the forms and sources of power and the games of politics and power are described. Finally, the notion of school culture and school climate is presented, with an important reference to all the dimensions and types of school culture and school climate. Also, the important role of a school leader in creating, changing and improving a school culture/ climate is presented in an effort to support the effectiveness of organizations but also to boost the creativity of the people within the organization.