The Effect of Management Information Systems on the Administrative Performance of the Public-School Principals in Oman: Working Experience as a Moderating Variable

Abstract

The main purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional survey study was to examine the effect of management information systems (MIS) on the administrative performance of public-school principals in Oman. It also aimed to test the moderating effect of principals’ working experience on the relationship between management information systems and administrative performance. Employing a previously validated questionnaire, data were collected from 313 school principals and assistant principals from public schools of four Omani governorate, namely, Batinah North, Batinah South, Muscat, and Al-Dhakiyliah. Data were analyzed statistically using structural equation modeling (Amos 24). The Structural equation modelling was conducted in two main steps. First, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to verify the construct validity and reliability of both management information systems and administrative performance measurement models. Following that, the structural model was conducted to examine the effect of management information systems on administrative performance. Accordingly, the results of this study showed that management information systems have a statistically significant effect on the administrative performance of public-school principals in Oman. Using multi-group analysis (MGA), the results also showed a moderating effect for the school principals’ working experience in this relationship between management information systems and administrative performance. Pursuant to the findings, this study urges the Omani Ministry of Education to continue their effort in training principals on management information systems (MIS), taking into consideration the principals’ working experience as an important factor. To obtain a greater depth of understanding regarding administrative performance of public-school principals, other predictors and mediating variables are, therefore, recommended.