M.Ed. (Educational Management) / The problem which initiated, this research project can probably be found in the professional experience of resedential hostel staff. The problem is that ineffective selection of senior housemasters who are not equipped to handle administrative matters probably impedes effective hostel management, furthermore, this implies that such a senior housemaster lacks the necessary insight and skills to plan, maintain and promote hostel effectiveness. It is against this background that the purpose of this research project should be viewed. In order to realise the objectives set, screening and selection have been chosen as prerequisites for the appointment- of a senior housemaster. The purpose of screening and selection is to appoint the most efficient person for the post. The research project seems to indicate that personal interviews with candidates for managerial posts can be very valuable as far as screening and selection are concerned. Although an interview must be structured, research has also shown that at times the wrong person has been selected in a managerial post. Furthermore the lack of in-service training of senior housemasters has been explicated. This project has attempted to clearly define the hostel policy as a frame of reference for in-service training. Special attention has been paid to the managerial functions of planning, organizing, guidance and control as guidelines for in-service training. These managerial functions ought to be a calculated action in the hostel policy. It has furthermore been proven that a need for training arises if an inefficient person is appointed as senior housemaster. The success of in-service training is always linked to effective programme development and effective evaluation that in turn is based on valid norms and standards. The managerial duty of the senior housemaster is carried out within a fixed organizing structure.