Exploring the experience of female middle managers in secondary schools of Jimma town, Ethiopia

This study aimed at exploring the experiences of female middle managers in secondary schools in Jimma town, with a specific focus on their preparation, motivation, support, training, development, perceptions, and challenges. To achieve this, a case study design was employed. Primary data were collected from female managers and educators at various levels within the schools. Purposive sampling was employed to select the participants. Data were collected from female principals, department heads, and unit leaders using interviewees. Focus group discussions were conducted with female educators. Moreover, government strategies, directives, guidelines, school plans, reports, and performance appraisals were reviewed. On top of these, physical observations of offices and work environments were conducted. The data were thematically categorized, coded, and analyzed verbatim. The findings revealed several critical issues. There was a lack of clear guidelines for competing for middle management positions and insufficient encouragement for female educators to assume management roles. Besides, there was a notable deficiency in support, structured training, and professional development opportunities for female middle managers. Challenges identified included inadequate support, student misbehavior, teacher unpunctuality and absenteeism, insufficient resources, poor working environments, difficulties in balancing work and life, and various personal, managerial, and social responsibilities. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the managerial experiences of female middle managers in Jimma town's secondary schools were fraught with challenges, significantly impacting their effectiveness. Moreover, female middle managers did not receive adequate institutional support to fulfill their responsibilities. Therefore, it is advisable that Jimma town education office, in collaboration with secondary schools and concerned bodies, to focus on preparing, assigning, training, developing, and supporting female middle managers and educators to enable them to effectively carry out their managerial roles in secondary schools. © 2024 The Authors