Promoting the Teamwork of Teachers in Dutch Vocational Education and Training Institutions: A Multiple-Case Study on Team Leaders' Human Resources Roles

• In Event: Education Leadership in Times of Change

Abstract

The interdisciplinary nature of vocational education requires teamwork, by which teachers contribute to the curriculum based on their expertise. For this reason, Dutch VET institutions have become active in implementing teacher teams. However, since most teachers are used to working autonomously and in relative isolation, teamwork implies a major change for them. The current paper examines the role of Team oriented Human Resources Management (THRM) in fostering teamwork among teachers. THRM refers to all policies and practices that promote team performance via enhancing team members’ abilities, motivation and opportunities for teamwork. Based on case studies of eight VET institutions – consisting of document analysis and interviews with teachers, team leaders and HR officers - this study examined intended THRM as written down in policy plans, actual THRM as implemented in practice, and perceived THRM as experienced by teachers. Results showed that the intended THRM was mostly restricted to rather abstract THRM policies, resulting in team leaders playing a key role in translating these into concrete THRM practices. VET institutions run the risk of differences in actual implementation of THRM across teacher teams and, therefore, in differences in teacher perceptions. We conclude with suggestions for how VET institutions can increase the coherence among intended, actual and perceived THRM as a means to effectuate their THRM policies and empower their team leaders in executing their HR roles.

Authors

• Piety Runhaar, Wageningen University & Research

• Marianne van Woerkom, Tilburg University