Financial Management in Secondary Schools: A Comparative Analysis of Principals' and Teachers' Perceptions

Abstract

This study examined the financial perceptions of 100 secondary school principals and 100 teachers. A survey was conducted to gather data on their views regarding budget sufficiency, funding sources, utility bill payments, financial support, and annual budget revisions. Results revealed statistically significant differences between principals and teachers in their perceptions of daily financial realities. Specifically, principals reported significantly higher agreement than teachers regarding budget sufficiency (F(1, 198) = 15.437, p < .001), funding sources (F(1, 198) = 4.729, p = .031), financial support (F(1, 198) = 14.412, p < .001), and utility bill payments (F(1, 198) = 54.978, p < .001). However, no significant difference was observed regarding annual budget revisions (F (1, 198) = 0.034, p = .855). These findings indicate a potential disconnect in perceptions concerning day-to-day financial realities, yet alignment on the procedural aspects of budget revision.