Environmental scanning and the information‐gathering behaviour of headteachers

Headteachers are increasingly required to be managerially focused and operate in an uncertain environment. Argues that they are more likely to be effective if they have access to appropriate information. Reports the findings of a recently completed survey which suggest that schools operate largely informal and unstructured approaches to environmental scanning and tend to base their decision making on relatively superficial analyses of topical issues. Concludes by highlighting the need for further research.