Lean Management and Job Satisfaction: An Investigation of Teacher Representations to the Practice of Basic Education School Principals in the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Abstract: The study primarily aimed to identify the perceptions of male and female basic education teachers in Al Dhahirah Governorate, Sultanate of Oman, regarding lean management and job satisfaction, examine the extent to which basic education school principals practice lean management from the perspective of teachers, and determine the level of job satisfaction associated with the implementation of administrative agility in school work. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher adopted a descriptive-analytical approach. The study population consisted of all male and female teachers in basic education schools in Al Dhahirah Governorate, Sultanate of Oman, totaling 3,638 teachers. The study sample comprised 400 teachers working in basic education schools in the governorate's wilayats of Ibri, Dhank, and Yanqul during the 2021/2022 academic year, representing at least 10% of the total study population. To collect data and answer the study questions and hypotheses, the researcher developed a questionnaire as the study instrument. The results showed that the degree to which basic education school principals practiced the dimensions of lean management, from the perspective of teachers in Al Dhahirah Governorate, was high. In light of these findings, the study presented a set of recommendations and proposals, most notably adopting lean management practices to address administrative problems and organize, develop, and improve administrative work in ways that contribute to ensuring the quality of administrative work outcomes and enhancing job satisfaction. The study also recommended providing the necessary financial support to basic education schools in the Sultanate of Oman to enable them to implement the lean management approach by increasing the financial allocations dedicated to this area.