English abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the principles of the effective administrative organisation (AO) in higher education establishments. It also aimed at highlighting the problems related to administrative organisation of the Colleges of Education in the Sultanate and suggestions were made for solving such problems.
A questionnaire was developed for the purpose of the study. The questionnaire was administered to (227) faculty members and administrators. The sample included the deans of the six colleges of education, a sample of faculty members, head of departments and the directors of administration and finance.
The main findings of the study can be summarised as follows:
Colleges of education are faced with some administrative organisation problems. There are no financial incentives are specified for research conducted by faculty members. The higher administration, affect the decision-making process. The decision-making process at the college level is deeply influenced by the pressures exercised by supreme administrators. Written correspondence is the most commonly used way of communication and running the colleges. The daily workload weakens communication between personnel, both within a college and between colleges. Personnel in charge strictly and literally follow the rules while dealing with their subordinates and the faculty members are asked to stay within the boundaries of their colleges during work hours.
The effect of nationality, position, experience, kind of college (male or female or co-education) on problems faced was examined. It was found that there is a statically significant difference at (o=0,05) on the average rating of problems related to registration and rules between Omanis and non-Omanis academic staff. Non-Omanis give administrative organisation problems higher rating than their Omani counterparts. The difference on average rating of problems related to leadership aspect between different positions was also significant at (oc=0,05) level. This difference was in favour of deans and faculty members. Moreover, the effect of experience on administrative organisation was not significant. Finally, the effect of the kind of college (male, female or co-ed) on decision making and communication was significant at (oc=0,05) level.
Based on the findings of the study, a number of recommendations were made.
