Attitudes of the Private Sector towards the Application of Operational Contracting in Private Education Schools in the Sultanate of Oman: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Abstract

The research aims to investigate the private sector attitudes toward operational contracting in special education schools. The research adopted the qualitative approach by using personal interviews with a sample of (45) private school owners and managers in Oman. The results of the research revealed that there is an agreement among the majority of respondents on the ability of the private sector to manage special education schools, the advantages of the partnership, as well as the need for guarantees to support this partnership. The government should fully assume it. The role of the private sector remains to raise the operational efficiency of schools. Opinions vary about the level of powers granted to the private sector to operate special education schools. The importance of the availability of legislative and regulatory frameworks for operational contracting for all administrative and educational aspects. There are many obstacles that may impede the private sector's desire for operational contracting.