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Exploration of the Organizational Culture of Selected Ghanaian High Schools

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Exploration of the Organizational Culture of Selected Ghanaian High Schools Exploration of the Organizational Culture of Selected Ghanaian High Schools A dissertation presented to the faculty of The Patton College of Education of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education Grace Annor April 2016 © 2016 Grace Annor. All Rights Reserved. 2 This dissertation titled Exploration of Organizational Culture of Selected Ghanaian High Schools] by GRACE ANNOR has been approved for the Department of Educational Studies and The Patton College of Education by David Richard Moore Professor of Educational Studies Renée A. Middleton Dean, The Patton College of Education 3 Abstract ANNOR, GRACE, Ed.D., April 2016, Educational Administration Exploration of the Organizational Culture of Selected Ghanaian High Schools : Director of Dissertation: David Richard Moore The purpose of this study was to explore the organizational culture of two high schools in Ghana, examine the unique influence of cultural components on the schools’ outcomes, identify the exceptional contributions of the schools’ subcultures, investigate the emergent leadership styles of the schools’ leaders, and determine how these approaches promoted their work. This qualitative dissertation examined the various ways that the schools defined culture; how the schools’ subcultures participated in school governance; and how school leaders approached school governance. The description of the cultural components focused on the physical structures, symbols, behavior patterns, and verbal expressions, beliefs and values; and expectations. These descriptions were based on Edgar Schein’s diagnosis of the levels of culture. Efforts to improve school outcomes have not considered school culture, as a strategy in Ghana, neither has any educational research focused on the organizational culture of schools. This study was based on the premise that the inclusion of the cultural approach to school reform produces more sustainable results than the technical or political approaches, used in isolation. The sample size for this study was 26 and comprised two school leaders, six teachers, two PTA chairpersons, two alumni, and 14 students. The study employed the case study tradition and garnered data through one-on- one interviews, focus group interviews; observation at morning devotions/assembly, 4 Sunday church services, classrooms, dining halls, orientation, sports festival, staff and academic board meetings, and the physical environment; and review of relevant documents. Results indicated that although the Ghana Education Service managed both schools, and the schools were similar in some ways, they each demonstrated some unique characteristics. The major factors that influenced the achievement of school outcomes included the tangible and intangible cultural components; the involvement of subcultures in school governance; and three emergent leadership styles (participative, servant, and supportive) of school leadership. The schools targeted realization of outcomes through West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, national quizzes, religious and moral growth, and extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs. This data fills the gap in literature about organizational culture in Ghanaian schools. It also provides reference for educational practitioners, policy makers, school administrators, and teachers for their respective roles. The data guides parents concerning their roles in their children’s schools and also provides guidance for alumni about how they could give back to their alma maters. 5 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my gracious and wonderful family. To my ever- loving husband and pastor – Rev. Dr. Patrick Kweku Annor, I salute you! You have done what most men cannot afford to do. Thank you for your readiness to remain a “married bachelor” all these years I sojourned in the USA to achieve my dream. Without your love, cooperation, and spiritual, emotional, financial, and material support I could not have reached this far in my academic life. To my beloved brother/son – Mr. Felix William Ograh, I thank you for your instigation, inspiration, and support to embark on this dissertation journey. I could not have made it but for your financial and emotional support and prayers. Thank you for “mothering” my children all these years I left Ghana to pursue my dreams. I could not have made it if you did not take up this role. You believed in me that I can make it and this is the reason I have soared to this height. To David, Donewell, and Delight, you are my angels. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation to remain focused when I left you at the time you needed me most. At the crossroad, you yielded to the Lord’s guidance and authority and did not sidetrack. Especially to my “adult girl” Delight, I adore you. You are indeed my delight. Your encouragement, readiness to spend sleepless nights with me, and always alerting me on my deadlines are very much appreciated. I love you dearly. You gave me just what I needed from a father in a community that least respected girls’ education at the time. I express my heartfelt appreciation to my father – Mr. 6 William Kweku Ograh for defying every discouragement and providing a foundation that has helped me to build upon. Thank you so much! Finally, to my friend Mr. Evans Odei and family, I thank you for your encouragement, prayers and advice, amidst your own challenges. Your contribution remains indelible in my heart. 7 Acknowledgments I wish to express my profound and sincere appreciation and gratitude to the various individuals whose encouragement, support, prayers, and expertise combined to make this academic journey a worthwhile experience. First and foremost to my Lord and Master Jesus whose love, favor, and grace kept me against all odds to reach this far. To Him be all glory and honor! My next gratitude goes to my Committee Chair – Professor David Richard Moore. Thank you for carrying an unexpected load that did not belong to your domain. At a time when there was a thick cloud and I did not know where to set my feet, you willingly took the challenge and accepted to become the Chair of my dissertation committee. I thank you for exercising faith to work with a student you did not know much about. I appreciate your comments and suggestions, inspiration, encouragement, and the calm composure that gave me comfort anytime I visited your office. I will forever be grateful for your support, patience, guidance, and wisdom in handling me. The contributions of the my other committee members – Dr. William Bill Larson, Dr. Risa Whitson, Dr. Barbara Trube, and Dr. Francis Godwyll since the beginning of this research cannot be overlooked. Your feedback during the proposal stage helped shape the onset of this research. I appreciate your inputs. I am forever indebted to Dr. Francis Godwyll, whose encouragement masterminded my doctoral journey and provided not only the professional inspiration, but also the motivation to ascend the academic ladder. Although you left us on the middle of the road, you remained connected to check our progress. Thank you very much for the good seed sown in my life. 8 Many thanks go to all my Ohio University professors who taught me especially those associated to my doctoral program. I express my profound thank you for imparting the best academic knowledge that has enabled me to soar higher. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Dr. Godwin Dogbe for your wonderful guidance when I was preparing my IRB project. Your contributions were very helpful and I appreciate it. To Delight Baaba Annor, I do not know how I can thank you for your earnest desire to provide the technical support to solve my computer challenges. I am forever indebted to you and thank you for being there for me. I owe my dear friend Abigail Akyeampong a heartfelt gratitude for responding to my numerous demands to take care of my domestic needs so I could attend classes. I will always remember your sacrifices especially for my daughter while I attended classes. Finally, my appreciation to all the friends I made in the course of study thanks. Aki I am indeed indebted to you for your promptings on issues I forget and sharing information and course materials you discovered. You are a wonderful friend one can comfortably lean on. To my entire cohort, I appreciate the times we took classes together and the new experiences I gained through rich your contributions you shared in class. I will forever remember you all. 9 Table of Contents Page Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 3 Dedication ........................................................................................................................... 5 Acknowledgments............................................................................................................... 7 List of Tables .................................................................................................................... 16 List of Figures ................................................................................................................... 17 Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................................... 18 Background ................................................................................................................... 18 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................
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