The Meaning of Management

Abstract

This paper summarizes an investigation of perceptions of the roles and responsibilities of middle managers in seven secondary schools. It considers the various interpretations of the term and the way in which the work of the traditional head of department is changing. It outlines the expectations of middle managers on the part of both senior and managed staff and shows how, through an analysis of leadership, administration and evaluation roles, a tension is developing between the mechanistic and professional approaches. The implications of this for the development of future middle managers are considered together with the view that a balance is needed between competence and professional focuses in development and training.