Challenges in Resource Management: Decision-Making Practices Among School Heads
Ma. Janine P. Adalid | Andrew M. Adalid | Antonia Gueyndoline B. Despojo
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
This study examines the challenges school heads face in decisionmaking
regarding resource allocation and the coping strategies they employ.
Using a descriptive–correlational design, data were collected from 130 school
heads in the Schools Divisions of Bais City, Tanjay City, and Dumaguete City
through random sampling. The findings indicate that limited budgets and
competing priorities, external influences and stakeholder pressure, and
insufficient time for long-term planning constitute major challenges in resource
allocation. At the same time, limitations in data-driven decision-making
practices were perceived as a moderate challenge. To address these constraints,
school heads reported high engagement in regular budget reviews,
participatory decision-making, data-informed strategies, and strategic
planning. The results further reveal no significant relationships between the
challenges encountered and the coping strategies employed, nor between
demographic characteristics and perceived challenges. These findings suggest
that difficulties in resource allocation are largely shaped by contextual and
implementation-related factors rather than individual characteristics.
Strengthening organizational support mechanisms, leadership capacitybuilding
initiatives, stakeholder collaboration, and localized policy alignment
may contribute to more resilient, equitable, and effective resource management
in public schools.
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