A descriptive analysis of decision making processes in Public Education Centers in İstanbul

Abstract

The aim of the this study was to analyze the decision making process of Public Education Centers (PECs) in İstanbul in terms of ways of decision making, participation, effect of outsiders and environment, problems in decision making process, and democracy and happiness level. To reach this aim, 12 research questions were formulated.Out of 33 PECs in İstanbul, 12 centers were selected purposefully according to complexity level. From 12 PECs, 176 educators (10 principals, 4 head of vice-principles, 19 vice-principals, 2 counselors, 45 full-time teachers/tutors, and 96 part-time teachers/tutors) were included in the study. Data was gathered through a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Quantitative and qualitative methods were utilized to analyze the data. Results demonstrated that decision making process in PECs in Istanbul was described as an autocratic process, in which majority of the decisions were made by the principals, except decisions related to course programs and participants. Limited participation was allowed for the full-time and part-time teachers and tutors and involvement of participants in decision making was very limited as well. Characteristics of the environment in which PECs exist were taken into consideration in forming the programs and activities; governmental institutions, like Provincial and Sub-provincial Directorates of National Education, governor of province and sub-provinces, NGOs and headman of the district had an effect on the decision making. The biggest problem of decision making indicated was lack of collective decision making. However, it is interesting that decision making process was considered democratic by the subjects and they reported that they were very happy to work in public education centers.