Understanding School Culture & Organizational Structures

School Culture: Defining Organizational Styles

The culture of an organization is defined as the set of values, ideas, beliefs, symbols, traditions, rituals, and operational styles that have endured over time and are shared by its members, who, in turn, possess an awareness of belonging. Four distinct styles of organizational culture are applicable in schools:

• 1. Results-Oriented School Culture

  This style features clear and hierarchical authority. It prioritizes the achievement of results over the processes used to attain them. The director acts as the primary driver, with other members involved in the process but having limited input on reflection or decision-making.

• 2. Society-Oriented School Culture

  Authority is shared in this model. It features structures for participation and coordination. Management and decision-making are collaborative, but functions remain well-defined.

• 3. People-Oriented School Culture

  Authority is diffuse, and structures are often weak, leading to difficult decisions. Roles and responsibilities are not well-defined, which can easily lead to conflicts.

• 4. Structure-Oriented School Culture

  Authority is functional but not always clear. This style heavily relies on structures, coordinating bodies, and working groups. However, it often fails to clarify implementation responsibilities. Excessive emphasis on structures can sometimes cause the organization to lose sight of its primary objectives, such as student success.

School Organization: Complex & Multidimensional

As an organization, the school encompasses three distinct areas:

1. 1. Formal Educational Area

   The formal educational area includes schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. This field is intentional, planned, and regulated. It implies a defined structure, distribution of roles, a system of coordination and communication, a clear line of authority, interaction with the external environment, and specific instruments, techniques, and operations directed towards certain ends. This area is typically reflected in official institutional documents that outline plans and regulations.

2. 2. Non-Formal Educational Area

   The non-formal educational intervention is also planned and deliberate but develops outside the traditional schooling context. Examples include community learning centers, after-school programs, and extracurricular activities.

3. 3. Informal Educational Area

   The informal educational intervention occurs unintentionally and unplanned, through everyday interactions. Examples include reading a novel, watching a TV program, or talking with friends.