The focus of this research was to examine how primary and combined school principals in the Ogongo Circuit, Namibia motivated the teaching staff. The research instrument used to conduct this survey was a questionnaire. A descriptive statistical method was used to analyse the data. The study was confined to primary and combined schools in above-mentioned circuit. I randomly selected five schools and my sample consisted of 25 respondents made up of five principals and twenty teachers. Three critical questions were developed which focused on: 1. The extent to which primary and combined school principals in Ogongo Circuit in Namibia motivate teachers, 2. create a school environment that promotes motivation; 3. strategies used to motivate teaching staff. The findings of this study were that teachers' motivation in the sample schools was unsatisfactory, as most of the motivational aspects such as morale rewards and recognition, as well as vision and mission statement were neglected. Principals in the sample schools failed to develop good strategies to motivate teachers. This led to an engagement of teachers in private business during school hours as well as poor time management resulted in insufficient motivation. The study reveals some of the contributing factors leading to a lack of motivation. These demotivating factors were: 1. Principals' leadership styles, 2. Teaching in areas or phases where they were not 'specialized' 3. Poor infrastructures and lack of resources. The study recommends that principals need to identify the basic needs of teachers and institute measures to ensure that these needs are met. Principals also need to acknowledge job well done and attempt to create a working environment where teachers are motivated to do their best. / Theses (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu Natal, 2005.

Relationships are regarded as an important aspect of any organization's life. The purpose of this study was to investigate staff perceptions and experiences of interpersonal relationships between management and lecturers in a Namibian College of Education. I conducted a case study at the College where I teach. Two methods were used to collect data. Firstly, semi-structured interviews with two management members, two senior lecturers and two lecturers. Secondly, observation where practical aspects of interpersonal relationships in the College were observed. I used the interpretational data analysis technique to analyse my data. Themes and patterns were identified in the data, coded and sorted into categories. The study revealed staff unhappiness about the current situation in the College as far as communication is concerned. The College's hierarchical structure was described as top-down. As such, it does not allow for face to face communication. There is an absence of any social cohesion or sense of community. Relationships at a College level are characterized by personal conflict and difference. However, the study revealed a satisfaction with communication and relationships at a dl'partmentallevel. Five key features of interpersonal communication that are lacking in the College and that contribute to the unhealthy relationships in the College were identified. These are trust, respect, openness, feedback and the sharing of ideas and knowledge. Due to their absence, the College is divided into cliques. A strong desire for the establishment of interpersonal norms of openness, respect, honesty and trust was expressed. Participants expressed the need to establish an organization structure that allows for interaction with others in the College, flatter structures, teamwork and a collaborative cultu re. The study also emphasized participative democracy in building relationships. Participation in decision making is seen as satisfying the personal need to experience a sense of influence and achievement. There is evidence of a desire for distributed leadership where the College staff as a group of professionals lead the College collectively and collaboratively. There is a strong desire for a College where people are liked , valued, accepted by others and recognized for their efforts. Finally, Organization Development is recommended as an approach to enhance College staff relationships.