STAKEHOLDERS IN EDUCATION

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to explore the identity, importance, and goals of stakeholders involved in the school. Stakeholders refer to groups of people affected by the success or failure of an organization, who include individuals, public groups, governmental and private organizations, institutions, and associations. Stakeholders such as parents, teachers, community leaders, civic organizations and students, should therefore be encouraged to get involved in the school, and participate in various programs that will improve the school and the students’ achievements. In the context of education, a skilled school principal will find ways to harness the interests and ability of different people to contribute to the educational institution, and create a school climate in which this can occur. It is important that the school administration involves stakeholders in the decision-making process, in order to improve the performance of the school. School performance and its success is affected also by the stakeholders’ capability to use efficiently human and material resources at their disposal for the school benefit. Google Scholar database was searched and papers published in the last 15 years were analysed. The review findings show that stakeholder’s participation can improve teaching and learning, efficiency in school management, raising motivation and commitment among staff, and foster open communication with various actors. In order to benefit the school, especially in a period characterized by accountability, competitive education market and limited government resources, the school principal must empower, provide information and train different stakeholders. The principal is the main actor capable to build bridges between all stakeholders, through provision of autonomy and support, in order to improve decision-making and implementation processes, designed to raise the quality of the school and the students.