Results of a study by Harvey in 1986 showed that approximately 21.2% of managers' time is wasted. Managers spend 37.2% of their time dealing with student affairs and their conditions. Additionally, 11.8% is dedicated to assisting teachers and solving their problems, 18.7% in administrative office work, and 11.6% in welcoming visitors and parents.
Aligned with these findings, Bloomberg and Greenfield in 1980 reported that managers spend 28.8% of their time on record-keeping and reporting, 53.5% on administrative organization, 11.8% on managing the school building and facilities, and 5.9% on school system monitoring. These results suggest clear time wastage on less important tasks or tasks that do not correspond to their importance and the time invested in them.
In a study by Abedeen in 1987, results indicated that the most time-consuming tasks, ranging from 32% to 18% of a manager's time, according to private school directors in Jerusalem, include meeting visitors, secretarial work, financial affairs monitoring, school building maintenance and inspection, maintaining order, which are generally related to means rather than goals.
To achieve effective time management, positive measures need to be taken to confront time-wasting, and managers need to commit to these measures while continually developing themselves and being accountable. Actions that help a school director manage time efficiently include:
1. Time Peak Determination: Identify peak productivity times to accomplish important and high-priority tasks, while deferring routine tasks (phone calls, paperwork, reading
incoming materials, etc.) to less productive times. This not only helps in productivity but also reduces boredom.
2. Time Usage Determination: Decide how time is used by keeping a record of all activities, interruptions, meetings, and time spent on each. Analyze the records to assess whether time has been used effectively. If inefficiencies are identified, reschedule time based on priorities and urgency, starting with important and urgent tasks.
3. File Organization: Organize files for quick retrieval, allowing papers and materials to be accessed promptly without rummaging through piles of documents.
4. Schedule for Meetings and Activities: Create a time schedule for meetings and activities, determining whether a general meeting, individual meeting, or short meeting is necessary. If tasks can be accomplished through phone calls or written memos, there may be no need to waste time in meetings with teachers.
In order to promote effective time management, these steps can be crucial for school directors. The ability to prioritize and allocate time efficiently enhances the overall productivity of educational institutions.
Dr. Faisal Hijazin
General Director of Latin Patriarchate Schools - Palestine
