Surviving the reform: management usage of the garbage can model during implementation of reform

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to apply the garbage can model to identify factors that affect managerial decision-making processes in educational systems undergoing reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 39 teachers and managers in schools undergoing a system-wide reform.

Findings

The paper presents examples for a typology of decision outcomes found in the model and provides explanations for their emergence. It shows that there are many challenges that are associated with reform implementation and suggests factors that need to be taken into account when planning and implementing a reform.

Originality/value

School management and policy makers can learn about the risks that are associated with garbage can decision-making and the various risk factors. Practical suggestions are given to reduce the probability of suboptimal decision-making.

Citation

Tamir, E. and Grabarski, M.K. (2020), "Surviving the reform: management usage of the garbage can model during implementation of reform", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 58 No. 3, pp. 373-387. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-09-2019-0169