Models of Educational Management: the Case of a Language Teaching Institute

This paper explores whether and how models of educational management are evident in the operations and organisational culture of a language teaching institute in a Southeast Asian country*. The research followed the decision-making, planning and implementation processes at different levels of the institute over a three-month period. The purpose of the research was to ascertain: (1) whether any specific models of educational management manifested themselves; (2) which models were in evidence; and (3) what effect any identified models had on the operations and culture of the institute. Data were gathered through observations and interviews with relevant stakeholders within the institute. The findings show that while the formal model of educational management predominates, an eclectic mix of several models of educational management are evident in different departments and at different levels within the institute's organisational structure. The conclusion is the institute does not adhere to one particular model of educational management, but displays evidence of several models in operation simultaneously with a clear tendency for the Formal Model to dominate at the institutional level.