Strategic management in the Brazilian public schools: characteristics and specificities which influence the practices

Abstract

Public administration has characteristics and specificities that differentiate it from management. The quality of service provided and the satisfaction of the population are considered. However, there are few studies on public administration in organizational studies. Thus, the purpose is identifying the factors which have a positive influence on public administration practices. To reach the goal a qualitative approach was used the case study, with interviews, questionnaire, focus group, non-participant observation and field diary. Content analysis was used as a form of data analysis. The results show that planning is important for school management, but there is a tendency in the pedagogical rather than the administrative part, and specific tools are needed for the design and implementation of the strategy. We conclude that the factors that positively influence public management are participation, communication and planning at any level.