| dc.description.abstract | Principals’ receptivity to innovative ways of running the operations of their institutions should be
based on methods that minimize costs, save time and allow excellence. However, there is
inadequate financial resources that disallow adequate use of digital resources in secondary schools.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of principals’ receptivity to innovation
on financial management in secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The study used descriptive
research design, and targeted a population of 389 secondary schools. The study used simple
random sampling method to get a sample of 117 secondary schools. It further used purposive
sampling method to obtain 117 principals. The study used drop and pick method to administer
questionnaires to the respondents. Piloting of research instruments was done in twelve secondary
schools in Tharaka Nithi County. The study analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics
such as frequencies, percentages and mean. It also carried out correlation analysis to test
hypothesis. The results revealed that 80(92%) were in agreement on a mean of 4.93 that donors
and sponsors were more convinced in investing their financial resources in the schools. However,
66(76%) were not in agreement on a mean of 2.82 that the school had made plans to ensure that
all departments adopted various technological and social innovation. The Pearson correlation
coefficient was r=0.286** at α < 0.000 and 99% significance level, hence as a positive influence;
thereby rejected the null hypothesis. The study concluded that digitalization was only used by the
management, while departments required to prepare departmental budgets manually. This slowed
the process of decision making for the principals. The study recommended that the ministry of
education considers increasing annual funding for secondary schools. Principals should also
explain to the management boards the need to digitalize the whole school as opposed to a few
departments. | en_US |
